Lamp unit and vehicle lamp apparatus using the same

ABSTRACT

A lamp device including a surface light source and a vehicle lamp apparatus including the lamp device are provided. The lamp device may include a substrate including a plurality of supporting portions each having a light source mounted thereon, and connecting portions disposed between neighboring supporting portions. Each of the supporting portions may support a corresponding light source on a supporting surface thereof, with a perpendicular line passing through the supporting surface of the supporting portion forming an angle with respect to a reference line facing a predetermined reference direction. Multiple supporting portions each having light sources mounted thereon may form respective angles, and may be arranged so as to produce a desired level and pattern of light emission.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to KoreanApplication No. 10-2012-0061758 filed on Jun. 8, 2012, whose entiredisclosure is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments relate to a lamp unit including a surface light source and avehicle lamp apparatus using the same.

2. Background

Generally, a lamp supplies or adjusts light for a specific purpose. Anincandescent lamp, fluorescent lamp, neon lamp and the like may be usedas a light source of the lamp. A light emitting diode (LED) may also beused as the light source of the lamp. An LED may convert an electricsignal into infrared rays or light using characteristics of a compoundsemiconductor. Unlike the fluorescent lamp, the LED does not use anoxious material, such as mercury. Also, the LED may also have a longerlifespan than the incandescent lamp, fluorescent lamp, and neon lamp,and LED power consumption may be lower than that of the incandescentlamp, fluorescent lamp, and neon lamp. In addition, the LED exhibitsexcellent visibility and low glare due to its high color temperature. Alamp including such an LED may be used in a backlight, display device,lighting, indicator lights for vehicles, head lamps, and various otherapplications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments will be described in detail with reference to thefollowing drawings in which like reference numerals refer to likeelements wherein:

Arrangements and embodiments may be described in detail with referenceto the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to likeelements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a lamp unit in accordance with anembodiment as broadly described herein;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are sectional views of a light source module accordingto a first embodiment;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are sectional views showing arrangement of a lightsource module according to a second embodiment;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are sectional views showing arrangement of a lightsource module according to a third embodiment;

FIGS. 5A to 5D are sectional views showing methods of measuringdistances between light sources;

FIGS. 6A to 6D are sectional views showing supporting portions of asubstrate;

FIGS. 7A to 7D are sectional views showing connecting portions of asubstrate;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are sectional views showing types of connection betweensupporting portions and connecting portions of a substrate;

FIGS. 9A to 9C are sectional views showing thicknesses of supportingportions and connecting portions of a substrate;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the surface of a supporting portionof a substrate;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a reflector and heat dissipationpins of a supporting portion of a substrate;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are plan views showing widths of connecting portionsof a substrate;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a light source module according toan embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing a lens of the light source module;

FIGS. 15A to 15C are sectional views showing types of the lens appliedto the light source module;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing arrangement of a light source moduleaccording to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing arrangement of a light source moduleaccording to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing the shape of an optical member;

FIGS. 19A to 19D are sectional views showing uneven patterns of theoptical member;

FIG. 20 is a sectional view showing the position of the uneven patternof the optical member;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are sectional views showing the change in shape of theuneven pattern of the optical member depending upon the positionthereof;

FIGS. 22A and 22B are sectional views showing thicknesses of an opticalmember;

FIG. 23 is a sectional view showing reflectors of the optical member;

FIGS. 24A and 24B are sectional views showing arrangement of a lightsource module according to a sixth embodiment;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are sectional views showing arrangement of a lightsource module according to a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a sectional view showing arrangement of a light source moduleaccording to an eighth embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a sectional view showing arrangement of a light source moduleaccording to a ninth embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a sectional view showing arrangement of a light source moduleaccording to a tenth embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a sectional view showing arrangement of a light source moduleaccording to an eleventh embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a sectional view showing arrangement of a light source moduleaccording to a twelfth embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a sectional view showing arrangement of a light source moduleaccording to a thirteenth embodiment;

FIG. 32 is a sectional view showing a lamp unit for vehicles accordingto an embodiment as broadly described herein;

FIG. 33 is a view showing a taillight for vehicles including the lampunit as embodied and broadly described herein; and

FIG. 34 is a plan view showing a vehicle including a lamp unit asembodied and broadly described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the annexeddrawings. It will be understood that when an element is referred to asbeing ‘on’ or “under” another element, it can be directly on/under theelement, and one or more intervening elements may also be present. Whenan element is referred to as being ‘on’ or ‘under’, ‘under the element’as well as ‘on the element’ can be included based on the element.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, the lamp unit as embodied and broadlydescribed herein may include a light source module including a substrate150 and light sources 110, an optical member 600, and a cover member700. The light source module may include a substrate 150 having anelectrode pattern and a plurality of light sources 110 arranged on thesubstrate 150. The substrate 150 of the light source module may includea plurality of supporting portions 120 disposed so as to correspond tothe respective light sources 110 and a plurality of connecting portions130 disposed between neighboring supporting portions 120.

The substrate 150 of the light source module may be manufactured so asto exhibit flexibility. The substrate 150 of the light source module maybe a printed circuit board (PCB) made of any one selected from amongpolyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass, polycarbonate (PC), silicon(Si), polyimide, and epoxy. The substrate 150 of the light source modulemay be formed in a film shape. Also, a single layer PCB, multi layerPCB, ceramic substrate, or metal core PCB may be selectively used as thesubstrate 150 of the light source module.

The entirety of the substrate 150 of the light source module may beformed of the same material. According to circumstances, a portion ofthe substrate 150 may be formed of a material different from that of theremaining portion of the substrate 150. For example, in certainembodiments, the supporting portions 120 and the connecting portions 130of the substrate 150 may be formed of the same material. As an example,the supporting portions 120 and the connecting portions 130 of thesubstrate 150 may each include a base member and a circuit patterndisposed on at least one surface of the base member. The base member maybe formed of a film, such as polyimide or epoxy (for example, FR-4),exhibiting flexibility and insulating properties.

In alternative embodiments, the supporting portions 120 of the substrate150 and the connecting portions 130 of the substrate 150 may be formedof different materials. For example, the supporting portions 120 of thesubstrate 150 may be conductors, and the connecting portions 130 of thesubstrate 150 may be nonconductors. Also, the supporting portions 120 ofthe substrate 150 may be formed of a hard material which is not flexibleto support the respective light sources 110, and the connecting portions130 of the substrate 150 may be formed of a soft material which isflexible. Consequently, the substrate 150 of the light source module maybe manufactured so as to be applied to an object having curvature.

As described above, the substrate 150 of the light source module may beformed of the soft material, and therefore, the substrate 150 may becurved. However, the substrate 150 of the light source module may becurved due to structural deformation thereof.

For example, the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 may have afirst thickness, and the connecting portions 130 of the substrate 150may have a second thickness. The first thickness may be different fromthe second thickness so that the substrate 150 may be curved.

As an example, if a thickness of the connecting portions 130 of thesubstrate 150 is less than a thickness of the supporting portions 120 ofthe substrate 150, the substrate 150 may be curved due to the connectingportions 130 of the substrate 150, and therefore, the substrate 150 ofthe light source module may be applied to an object having curvature.

Also, a reflective coating film or reflective coating material layer maybe formed at the substrate 150 of the light source module to reflectlight generated by the light sources 110 toward the optical member 600.

The reflective coating film or reflective coating material layer maycontain a metal, such as aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), or gold (Au),exhibiting high reflectance or a metal oxide, such as titanium oxide(TiO2), exhibiting high reflectance.

In certain embodiments, a plurality of heat dissipation pins todissipate heat generated from the light sources 110 may be arranged atthe substrate 150 of the light source module. For example, the heatdissipation pins may be disposed at the entire area of the substrate 150including the supporting portions 120 and the connecting portions 130 oronly at the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 supporting thelight sources 110.

Conductive patterns to apply current to drive the light sources 110 maybe disposed at the substrate 150 of the light source module. Forexample, the conductive patterns may be disposed at the entire area ofthe substrate 150 including the supporting portions 120 and theconnecting portions 130, only at the supporting portions 120 of thesubstrate 150 supporting the light sources 110, or only at theconnecting portions 130 of the substrate 150 interconnecting neighboringsupporting portions 120 to electrically interconnect neighboring lightsources 110.

Also, the substrate 150 of the light source module may be disposed at apredetermined angle with respect to a reference line facing apredetermined reference direction. For example, in a case in which thelamp unit is applied to an object having curvature, the surface of thesubstrate 150 of the light source module may include areas havingvarious angles with respect to the reference line facing thepredetermined reference direction. On the other hand, in a case in whichthe lamp unit is applied to an object having no curvature, i.e. a flatobject, the surface of the substrate 150 of the light source module mayinclude only areas having the same angle to the reference line facingthe predetermined reference direction.

The predetermined reference direction may be a direction in which theamount or intensity of light generated from the light sources 110 ismeasured. In a case in which a predetermined condition, such as theamount or intensity of light emitted in a specific direction, isrequired in an object, to which the lamp unit is applied, the lamp unitmust be designed according to the required condition.

For example, in a case in which the lamp unit is applied to a tail light800 of a vehicle 900, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, certain safetystandards may apply. For example, when viewed at a horizontal angle ofan outer axle of the vehicle of 45 degrees from the central point oflight, a projected area may be greater than or equal to about 12.5 cm2,and, for example, the brightness of a braking lamp may be about 40 to420 candela (cd). Consequently, the entirety of the lamp unit may bedesigned taking the predetermined reference direction intoconsideration.

For example, the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 may bedesigned such that each supporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 hasa surface perpendicular to a normal line connected to a point on thesurface of the optical member 600, and the normal lines corresponding tothe respective supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 have thesame length.

In certain embodiments, the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150may be designed such that a perpendicular line passing through a pointon the surface of each supporting portion 120 facing a corresponding oneof the light sources 110 is at a predetermined angle with respect to thereference line facing the predetermined reference direction, and theintensity of light from the light sources 110 disposed at the supportingportions 120 having an angle between a perpendicular line passingthrough a point on the surface of each supporting portion 120 facing acorresponding one of the light sources 110 and the reference line facingthe predetermined reference direction of 0 to 45 degrees is greater thanthat of light from the light sources 110 disposed at the supportingportions 120 having an angle between a perpendicular line passingthrough a point on the surface of each supporting portion 120 opposite acorresponding one of the light sources 110 and the reference line facingthe predetermined reference direction of 45.1 to 90 degrees.

In another case, the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 may bedesigned such that a perpendicular line passing through a point on thesurface of each supporting portion 120 facing a corresponding one of thelight sources 110 is at a predetermined angle with respect to thereference line facing the predetermined reference direction, and thedensity of the light sources 110 disposed at the supporting portions 120having an angle between a perpendicular line passing through a point onthe surface of each supporting portion 120 facing a corresponding one ofthe light sources 110 and the reference line facing the predeterminedreference direction of 0 to 45 degrees is greater than that of the lightsources 110 disposed at the supporting portions 120 having an anglebetween a perpendicular line passing through a point on the surface ofeach supporting portion 120 opposite a corresponding one of the lightsources 110 and the reference line facing the predetermined referencedirection of 45.1 to 90 degrees.

In a further case, the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 maybe designed such that a perpendicular line passing through a point onthe surface of each supporting portion 120 facing a corresponding one ofthe light sources 110 is at a predetermined angle with respect to thereference line facing the predetermined reference direction, and anorientation angle of light from the light sources 110 disposed at thesupporting portions 120 having an angle between a perpendicular linepassing through a point on the surface of each supporting portion 120facing a corresponding one of the light sources 110 and the referenceline facing the predetermined reference direction of 0 to 45 degrees isless than that of the light sources 110 disposed at the supportingportions 120 having an angle between a perpendicular line passingthrough a point on the surface of each supporting portion 120 opposite acorresponding one of the light sources 110 and the reference line facingthe predetermined reference direction of 45.1 to 90 degrees.

Each light source 110 of the light source module may be a top view typelight emitting diode. In certain embodiments, each light source 110 ofthe light source module may be a side view type light emitting diode.

Each light source 110 of the light source module may be a light emittingdiode (LED) chip. The LED chip may be a red LED chip, blue LED chip, orultraviolet LED chip. Alternatively, the LED chip may be at least oneselected from among a red LED chip, green LED chip, blue LED chip,yellow LED chip, and white LED chip, or a combination thereof.

A white LED may be realized by using a yellow phosphor on a blue LED orsimultaneously using a red phosphor and green phosphor on a blue LED.Also, a white LED may be realized by simultaneously using a yellowphosphor, red phosphor, and green phosphor on a blue LED.

For example, in a case in which the lamp unit is applied to a taillightof a vehicle, each light source 110 of the light source module may be avertical light emitting chip, such as a red light emitting chip.However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

Each light source 110 of the light source module may include a lens 200.The lens 200 may include a groove disposed at a position correspondingto the central area of a light emission surface of each light source110.

In certain embodiments, a groove may be provided in the lens 200, forexample, at the bottom of the lens 200, corresponding to each lightsource 110. The groove may have a conical or trapezoidal cross sectionalshape having a wide top and a narrow bottom to widen an orientationangle of light emitted from each light source 110. However, embodimentsare not limited thereto, and various types of lenses may be used.

The optical member 600 may be spaced apart from the substrate 150 by apredetermined distance. A light mixing area, or air guide area, may beformed between the substrate 150 and the optical member 600.

In certain embodiments, the cover member 700 may be omitted, and theoptical member 600 may function as the cover member 700. In alternativeembodiments, the optical member 600 may be omitted, and only the covermember 700 may be provided.

The optical member 600 may include at least one sheet, such as, forexample, a diffusion sheet that diffuses light emitted from the lightsources 110, a prism sheet that guides the diffused light to a lightemission area, and/or brightness enhancement sheet that enhancesbrightness.

For example, the diffusion sheet may be generally formed of acryl resin,to which, however, the diffusion sheet is not limited. In addition, thediffusion sheet may be formed of a material having a light diffusionfunction, for example, high-transmissive plastic, such as polystyrene(PS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC),polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or resin.

The optical member 600 may also have an uneven pattern formed at theupper surface thereof.

The optical member 600 may diffuse light emitted from the light sourcemodule. To improve a diffusion effect, the uneven pattern may be formedat the upper surface of the optical member 600.

The optical member 600 may include a plurality of layers. The unevenpattern may be formed at the surface of the uppermost layer or aspecific one of the layers.

The uneven pattern may have a stripe shape arranged in one direction.

The uneven pattern may have protrusions formed at the surface of theoptical member 600. Each protrusion may include a first surface andsecond surface opposite to each other. The angle between the firstsurface and second surface may be an obtuse angle or acute angle.

In certain embodiments, the optical member 600 may include at least twoinclined surfaces having at least one inflection point IP.

The optical member 600 may also include a curved surface having at leastone radius of curvature.

The optical member 600 may have a surface having for example, a concavesurface, convex surface, flat surface, or a combination thereofaccording to the shape of the cover member 700 or an object to which thelamp unit is mounted.

A normal line connected to a point on the surface of the optical member600 may be perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the surfaceof each supporting portion 120 of the substrate 150, and all of thenormal lines corresponding to the respective supporting portions 120 ofthe substrate 150 may have the same length or similar lengths.

Also, a normal line connected to a point on the surface of the opticalmember 600 may be perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to thesurface of each supporting portion 120 of the substrate 150, and atleast one of the normal lines corresponding to the respective supportingportions 120 of the substrate 150 may be different in length from theothers.

For example, when a perpendicular line passing through a point on thesurface of each supporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 passesthrough a point of the optical member 600, the distance between thepoint of the optical member 600 and the surface of each supportingportion 120 may be about 10 mm or more.

If the distance between the point of the optical member 600 and thesurface of each supporting portion 120 is less than about 10 mm, thelamp unit may not exhibit uniform brightness, and a hot spot phenomenonhaving excessively high brightness at the area at which each lightsource 110 is located may occur.

A heat dissipation member 400 may be disposed under the substrate 150 ofthe light source module to dissipate heat generated from the lightsources 110. The heat dissipation member 400 may be formed of a materialexhibiting high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, an aluminumalloy, copper, or a copper alloy.

Alternatively, the substrate 150 of the light source module and the heatdissipation member 400 may be integrally formed to constitute a metalcore printed circuit board (MCPCB), or an additional heat dissipationmember 400 may be disposed at the bottom of the MCPCB.

In a case in which such an additional heat dissipation member 400 isattached to the bottom of the MCPCB, such attachment may be achievedusing, for example, an acryl bonding agent.

Generally, when the temperature of each light source 110 is increased byheat generated from each light source 110, the luminous intensity ofeach light source 110 may be decreased, and the waveform of generatedlight may be shifted.

In particular, when each light source 110 is a red light emitting diode,the waveform of generated light may be excessively shifted, and theluminous intensity of each light source 110 may be excessivelydecreased.

On the other hand, when the heat dissipation member 400 is disposed atthe bottom of the substrate 150 of the light source module, heatgenerated from each light source 110 may be more efficiently dissipated,and therefore, the increase in temperature of each light source 110 maybe suppressed, thereby preventing the luminous intensity of each lightsource 110 from being decreased and the waveform of generated light frombeing shifted.

The cover member 700 may include a top cover 700 a and a side cover 700b. The top cover 700 a may be formed of a light transmissive material,and the side cover 700 b may be formed of a light non-transmissivematerial.

In certain embodiments, both the top cover 700 a and side cover 700 bmay be formed of a light transmissive material.

The cover member 700 may be formed of a material (for example, acryl)capable of protecting the light source module including the substrate150 and the light sources 110 from external impact and transmittinglight emitted from the light source module.

Also, the cover member 700 may include a curved portion. The substrate150 of the light source module is flexible and thus may be easilyreceived in the curved cover member 700.

A reflector 710 may be disposed at the inside of the side cover 700 b ofthe cover member 700.

A reflective coating film or reflective coating material layer may beformed at the reflector 710. The reflector 710 may reflect lightgenerated by the light sources 110 toward the optical member 600.

The reflector 710 may contain a metal, such as chrome (Cr), aluminum(Al), silver (Ag), or gold (Au), exhibiting high reflectance or a metaloxide, such as titanium oxide (TiO2), exhibiting high reflectance.

The cover member 700 may contact the optical member 600. In certainembodiments, only a portion of the cover member 700 may contact theoptical member 600, and the remaining portion of the cover member 700may be spaced apart from the optical member 600 by a predetermineddistance.

In certain embodiments, the entire surface of the cover member 700opposite the optical member 600 may contact the optical member 600.

Substantially the entire surface of the cover member 700 opposite theoptical member 600 may be spaced apart from the optical member 600 by apredetermined distance.

The distance between the cover member 700 and the optical member 600 maybe varied based on desired design characteristics of the apparatus towhich the light source module is mounted, to provide uniform brightnessthroughout.

In this embodiment, as described above, a plurality of light sourceshaving different arrangement directions with respect to thepredetermined reference direction is provided, and a light mixing area,or air guide area, may be formed between the light sources and theoptical member, thereby realizing a surface light source using a smallnumber of light sources.

A surface light source is a light source that may diffuse light in asurface shape. In this embodiment, a lamp unit may be provided thatsatisfies a particular condition, such as a particular amount of lightemitted in a specific direction, and may embody a surface light sourceusing a small number of light sources.

Also, in this embodiment, a plurality of light sources may be disposedon a flexible substrate, and therefore, the lamp unit may be applied toan object having various shapes, such as a curved shape.

In this embodiment, therefore, it may be possible to improve economy ofthe lamp unit and a degree of freedom in product design.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are sectional views of light source modules, accordingto embodiments as broadly described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the light source module may include asubstrate 150 and a plurality of light sources 110 arranged on thesubstrate 150. The substrate 150 may include a plurality of supportingportions 120 and a plurality of connecting portions 130. The supportingportions 120 may correspond to the respective light sources 110, and theconnecting portions 130 may be disposed between neighboring supportingportions 120. The supporting portions 120 may include a first supportingportion 121, second supporting portion 122, and third supporting portion123. The second supporting portion 122 may be disposed at one side ofthe first supporting portion 121. The third supporting portion 123 maybe disposed at the other side of the first supporting portion 121. Otherarrangements may also be appropriate. The light sources 110 may includea first light source 111, second light source 112, and third lightsource 113. The first light source 111 may be supported by the firstsupporting portion 121. The second light source 112 may be supported bythe second supporting portion 122. The third light source 113 may besupported by the third supporting portion 123.

The first supporting portion 121 may be disposed such that a firstperpendicular line V1 passing through a first point P1 of a surface 121a of the first supporting portion 121 on which the first light source111 is mounted is at a first angle θ1 with respect to a reference linefacing a predetermined reference direction. The predetermined referencedirection may be a direction in which the amount or intensity of lightgenerated from the light sources 110 is measured. The second supportingportion 122 may be disposed such that a second perpendicular line V2passing through a second point P2 of a surface 122 a of the secondsupporting portion 122 on which the second light source 112 is mountedis at a second angle θ2 with respect to the reference line. The thirdsupporting portion 123 may be disposed such that a third perpendicularline V3 passing through a third point P3 of a surface 123 a of the thirdsupporting portion 123 on which the third light source 113 is mounted isat a third angle θ3 with respect to the reference line.

The first angle θ1 may be different from the second angle θ2 and/or thethird angle θ3. For example, the first angle θ1 may be greater than thesecond angle θ2 and less than the third angle θ3. Alternatively, thefirst angle θ1 may be less than the second angle θ2 and greater than thethird angle θ3.

In certain embodiments, the first angle θ1 may be equal to the secondangle θ2 and/or the third angle θ3. For example, the first angle θ1 maybe equal to the second angle θ2 and less than the third angle θ3.Alternatively, the first angle θ1 may be less than the second angle θ2and equal to the third angle θ3.

As described above, the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 maybe disposed at predetermined angles with respect to the reference linefacing the predetermined reference direction. For example, in a case inwhich a lamp unit is applied to an object having curvature, the surfacesof the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 may include areashaving various angles with respect to the reference line facing thepredetermined reference direction. On the other hand, in a case in whichthe lamp unit is applied to an object having no curvature, i.e. a flatobject, the surfaces of the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150may include only areas having the same angle with respect to thereference line facing the predetermined reference direction.

The predetermined reference direction may be a direction in which theamount or intensity of light generated from the light sources 110 ismeasured. In a case in which a predetermined condition, such as theamount or intensity of light emitted in a specific direction, isrequired in an object, to which the lamp unit is applied, the lightsource module may be disposed according to the required condition.

For example, in a case in which the lamp unit is applied to a taillightof a vehicle, a safety standard of the lamp unit applied to thetaillight of the vehicle must satisfy the following condition. That is,when viewed at a horizontal angle of an outer axle of the vehicle of 45degrees from the central point of light, a projected area may be greaterthan or equal to about 12.5 cm2, and, for example, the brightness of abraking lamp may be about 40 to 420 candela (cd).

Consequently, the entirety of the light source module may be designedbased on the predetermined reference direction, and therefore, thesupporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 may be disposed atpredetermined angles with respect to the reference line, facing thepredetermined reference direction.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are sectional views of a light source module accordingto a second embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the light source module may include asubstrate 150 and a plurality of light sources 110 arranged on thesubstrate 150. The substrate 150 may include a plurality of supportingportions 120 and a plurality of connecting portions 130. The supportingportions 120 may be disposed so as to correspond to the respective lightsources 110, and the connecting portions 130 may be disposed betweenneighboring supporting portions 120. The supporting portions 120 mayinclude a first supporting portion 121, second supporting portion 122,and third supporting portion 123. The second supporting portion 122 maybe disposed at one side of the first supporting portion 121. The thirdsupporting portion 123 may be disposed at the other side of the firstsupporting portion 121. The light sources 110 may include a first lightsource 111 supported by the first supporting portion 121, a second lightsource 112 supported by the second supporting portion 122, and a thirdlight source 113 supported by the third supporting portion 123.

The first supporting portion 121 may be disposed such that a firstperpendicular line V1 passing through a first point P1 of a surface 121a of the first supporting portion 121 facing the first light source 111is at a first angle θ1 with respect to a reference line facing apredetermined reference direction. The predetermined reference directionmay be a direction in which the amount or intensity of light generatedfrom the light sources 110 is measured. The second supporting portion122 may be disposed such that a second perpendicular line V2 passingthrough a second point P2 of a surface 122 a of the second supportingportion 122 on which the second light source 112 is mounted is at asecond angle θ2 with respect to the reference line.

The third supporting portion 123 may be disposed such that a thirdperpendicular line V3 passing through a third point P3 of a surface 123a of the third supporting portion 123 on which the third light source113 is mounted is at a third angle θ3 with respect to the referenceline.

When the second angle θ2 of the second supporting portion 122 is lessthan the first angle θ1 of the first supporting portion 121 and thethird angle θ3 of the third supporting portion 123, as shown in FIG. 3A,the intensity of light emitted from the second light source 112supported by the second supporting portion 122 may be greater than thatof light emitted from the first light source 111 and the third lightsource 113.

On the other hand, when the second angle θ2 of the second supportingportion 122 is greater than the first angle θ1 of the first supportingportion 121 and the third angle θ3 of the third supporting portion 123,as shown in FIG. 3B, the intensity of light emitted from the secondlight source 112 supported by the second supporting portion 122 may beless than that of light emitted from the first light source 111 and thethird light source 113.

For example, the intensity of light from the light sources 110 disposedat the supporting portions 120 having an angle between a perpendicularline passing through a point on the surface of each supporting portion120 opposite a corresponding one of the light sources 110 and thereference line facing the predetermined reference direction of about 0to 45 degrees may be greater than that of light from the light sources110 disposed at the supporting portions 120 having an angle between aperpendicular line passing through a point on the surface of eachsupporting portion 120 opposite a corresponding one of the light sources110 and the reference line facing the predetermined reference directionof about 45.1 to 90 degrees.

As described above, the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 maybe disposed at predetermined angles with respect to the reference linefacing the predetermined reference direction. Light sources 110 havinghigh intensity of light may be disposed at the supporting portions 120having a small angle between a perpendicular line passing through apoint on the surface of each supporting portion 120 and the referenceline facing the predetermined reference direction. Light sources 110having low intensity of light may be disposed at the supporting portions120 having a large angle between a perpendicular line passing through apoint on the surface of each supporting portion 120 and the referenceline facing the predetermined reference direction.

The light sources 110 may be disposed as described above to transmit alarge amount of light in the predetermined reference direction, and inparticular, to optimize or maximize an amount of light transmitted in aparticular direction.

The predetermined reference direction may be a direction in which theamount or intensity of light generated from the light sources 110 ismeasured. In a case in which a predetermined condition, such as theamount or intensity of light emitted in a specific direction, isrequired by an apparatus to which the light source module is applied,light sources 110 having different intensities of light may be disposedin order to satisfy the required condition.

For example, in a case in which a lamp unit is applied to a taillight ofa vehicle, certain safety standards may apply. That is, as shown in FIG.34, when viewed at a horizontal angle of an outer axle of the vehicle of45 degrees from the central point of light, a projected area may begreater than or equal to about 12.5 cm2, and, for example, thebrightness of a braking lamp may be about 40 to 420 candela (cd).

Consequently, light sources 110 having relatively high intensity may bedisposed at the supporting portions 120 having a small angle between aperpendicular line passing through a point on the surface of eachsupporting portion 120 and the reference line, and light sources 110having relatively low intensity may be disposed at the supportingportions 120 having a large angle between a perpendicular line passingthrough a point on the surface of each supporting portion 120 and thereference line so that the light source module satisfies thepredetermined condition, such as the amount or intensity of light,transmitted in the predetermined reference direction.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are sectional views of a light source module accordingto a third embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the light source module may include asubstrate 150 and a plurality of light sources 110 arranged on thesubstrate 150. The substrate 150 may include a plurality of supportingportions 120 and a plurality of connecting portions 130. The supportingportions 120 may be disposed so as to correspond to the respective lightsources 110, and the connecting portions 130 may be disposed betweenneighboring supporting portions 120. The supporting portions 120 mayinclude a first supporting portion 121, second supporting portion 122,and third supporting portion 123. The second supporting portion 122 maybe disposed at one side of the first supporting portion 121. The thirdsupporting portion 123 may be disposed at the other side of the firstsupporting portion 121. The light sources 110 may include a first lightsource 111, second light source 112, and third light source 113. Thefirst light source 111 may be supported by the first supporting portion121. The second light source 112 may be supported by the secondsupporting portion 122. The third light source 113 may be supported bythe third supporting portion 123.

The first supporting portion 121 may be disposed such that a firstperpendicular line V1 passing through a first point P1 of a surface 121a of the first supporting portion 121 on which the first light source111 is mounted is at a first angle θ1 with respect to a reference linefacing a predetermined reference direction. The predetermined referencedirection may be a direction in which the amount or intensity of lightgenerated from the light sources 110 is measured. The second supportingportion 122 may be disposed such that a second perpendicular line V2passing through a second point P2 of a surface 122 a of the secondsupporting portion 122 on which the second light source 112 is mountedis at a second angle θ2 with respect to the reference line. The thirdsupporting portion 123 may be disposed such that a third perpendicularline V3 passing through a third point P3 of a surface 123 a of the thirdsupporting portion 123 on which the third light source 113 is mounted isat a third angle θ3 with respect to the reference line.

When the second angle θ2 of the second supporting portion 122 is lessthan the first angle θ1 of the first supporting portion 121 and thethird angle θ3 of the third supporting portion 123, as shown in FIG. 4A,a first distance D1 between the second light source 112 and the firstlight source 111 may be less than a second distance D2 between the firstlight source 111 and the third light source 113.

For example, a ratio of the first distance D1 between the second lightsource 112 and the first light source 111 to the second distance D2between the first light source 111 and the third light source 113 may beabout 1:1.1 to 1:10.

The length of the connecting portion 130 connected between the firstsupporting portion 121 and the second supporting portion 122 may be lessthan that of the connecting portion 130 connected between the firstsupporting portion 121 and the third supporting portion 123.

On the other hand, when the second angle θ2 of the second supportingportion 122 is greater than the first angle θ1 of the first supportingportion 121 and the third angle θ3 of the third supporting portion 123,as shown in FIG. 4B, the first distance D1 between the second lightsource 112 and the first light source 111 may be greater than the seconddistance D2 between the first light source 111 and the third lightsource 113.

For example, a ratio of the first distance D1 between the second lightsource 112 and the first light source 111 to the second distance D2between the first light source 111 and the third light source 113 may beabout 1.1:1 to 10:1.

The length of the connecting portion 130 connected between the firstsupporting portion 121 and the second supporting portion 122 may begreater than that of the connecting portion 130 connected between thefirst supporting portion 121 and the third supporting portion 123.

That is, the density of the light sources 110 arranged at the supportingportions 120 having an angle between a perpendicular line passingthrough a point on the surface of each supporting portion 120 on which acorresponding one of the light sources 110 is mounted and the referenceline facing the predetermined reference direction of about 0 to 45degrees may be greater than that of the light sources 110 arranged atthe supporting portions 120 having an angle between a perpendicular linepassing through a point on the surface of each supporting portion 120 onwhich a corresponding one of the light sources 110 is mounted and thereference line facing the predetermined reference direction of about45.1 to 90 degrees.

As described above, the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 maybe disposed at predetermined angles to the reference line facing thepredetermined reference direction. Light sources 110 disposed at thesupporting portions 120 having a small angle between a perpendicularline passing through a point on the surface of each supporting portion120 and the reference line facing the predetermined reference directionmay be disposed so as to be adjacent to each other. Light sources 110disposed at the supporting portions 120 having a large angle between aperpendicular line passing through a point on the surface of eachsupporting portion 120 and the reference line facing the predeterminedreference direction may be disposed so as to be distant from each other.

The light sources 110 may be arranged as described above to transmit alarge amount of light in the predetermined reference direction, that is,to transmit the largest amount of light in a given direction with agiven set of light sources 110.

The predetermined reference direction may be a direction in which theamount or intensity of light generated from the light sources 110 ismeasured. In a case in which a predetermined condition, such as theamount or intensity of light emitted in a specific direction, isrequired by an apparatus to which the lamp unit is applied, the lightsources 110 may be disposed so that the light sources 110 have differentdensities according to the required condition.

For example, in a case in which the lamp unit is applied to a taillightof a vehicle, certain safety standards may apply. That is, as shown inFIG. 34, when viewed at a horizontal angle of an outer axle of thevehicle of 45 degrees from the central point of light, a projected areamay be greater than or equal to about 12.5 cm2, and, for example, thebrightness of a braking lamp may be about 40 to 420 candela (cd).

Consequently, light sources 110 disposed at the supporting portions 120having a small angle between a perpendicular line passing through apoint on the surface of each supporting portion 120 and the referenceline facing the predetermined reference direction may be positionedadjacent to each other, and light sources 110 disposed at the supportingportions 120 having a large angle between a perpendicular line passingthrough a point on the surface of each supporting portion 120 and thereference line facing the predetermined reference direction may bepositioned somewhat distant from each other so that the light sourcemodule satisfies the predetermined condition, such as a particularamount or intensity of light transmitted in the predetermined referencedirection.

FIGS. 5A to 5D are sectional views showing methods of measuringdistances between light sources.

As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D, a light source module may include asubstrate 150 and a plurality of light sources 110 arranged on thesubstrate 150. The substrate may include a plurality of supportingportions 120 and a plurality of connecting portions 130. The supportingportions 120 may be disposed so as to correspond to the respective lightsources 110, and the connecting portions 130 may be disposed betweenneighboring supporting portions 120. The supporting portions 120 mayinclude a first supporting portion 121, second supporting portion 122,and third supporting portion 123. The second supporting portion 122 maybe disposed at one side of the first supporting portion 121. The thirdsupporting portion 123 may be disposed at the other side of the firstsupporting portion 121. The light sources 110 may include a first lightsource 111, second light source 112, and third light source 113. Thefirst light source 111 may be supported by the first supporting portion121. The second light source 112 may be supported by the secondsupporting portion 122. The third light source 113 may be supported bythe third supporting portion 123.

The first light source 111 may include a first side surface 111 a andsecond side surface 111 b on opposite sides of the first light source111. The second light source 112 may include a first side surface 112 aand second side surface 112 b on opposite sides of the second lightsource 112. The third light source 113 may include a first side surface113 a and second side surface 113 b on opposite sides of the third lightsource 113.

The second side surface 111 b of the first light source 111 may face thefirst side surface 112 a of the second light source 112. The first sidesurface 111 a of the first light source 111 may face the second sidesurface 113 b of the third light source 113, as shown in FIG. 5A. Otherarrangements may also be appropriate.

When the second angle θ2 of the second supporting portion 122 is lessthan the first angle θ1 of the first supporting portion 121 and thethird angle θ3 of the third supporting portion 123, as shown in FIG. 4A,the first distance D1 between the second light source 112 and the firstlight source 111 may be less than the second distance D2 between thefirst light source 111 and the third light source 113.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the first distance D1 may be a distance between thesecond side surface 111 b of the first light source 111 and the firstside surface 112 a of the second light source 112, and the seconddistance D2 may be a distance between the first side surface 111 a ofthe first light source 111 and the second side surface 113 b of thethird light source 113.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5B, the first distance D1 maybe a distance between the second side surface 111 b of the first lightsource 111 and the second side surface 112 b of the second light source112, and the second distance D2 may be a distance between the secondside surface 111 b of the first light source 111 and the second sidesurface 113 b of the third light source 113.

In alternative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5C, the first distance D1may be a distance between the first side surface 111 a of the firstlight source 111 and the second side surface 112 b of the second lightsource 112, and the second distance D2 may be a distance between thefirst side surface 111 a of the first light source 111 and the firstside surface 113 a of the third light source 113.

In alternative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5D, the first distance D1may be a distance between a central point CP1 of the first light source111 and a central point CP2 of the second light source 112, and thesecond distance D2 may be a distance between the central point CP1 ofthe first light source 111 and a central point CP3 of the third lightsource 113.

The various methods described above may be applied to measure the firstdistance D1 and the second distance D2 so that, in a case in which apredetermined condition, such as the amount or intensity of lightemitted in a specific direction, is required by an apparatus to which alamp unit is applied, the lamp unit may be designed to satisfy therequired condition.

Consequently, substantially the entirety of the lamp unit may bedesigned based on the predetermined reference direction, so that certainperformance characteristics may be achieved.

FIGS. 6A to 6D are sectional views of supporting portions of asubstrate, in accordance with embodiments as broadly described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, a light source module may include asubstrate 150 and a plurality of light sources 110 arranged on thesubstrate 150. The substrate 150 may include a plurality of supportingportions 120 and a plurality of connecting portions 130. The supportingportions 120 may be disposed so as to correspond to the respective lightsources 110, and the connecting portions 130 may be disposed betweenneighboring supporting portions 120. As shown in FIG. 6A, a surface 120a of each supporting portion 120 facing a corresponding one of the lightsources 110 mounted thereon may be a flat surface.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6B, the surface 120 a of eachsupporting portion 120 facing a corresponding one of the light sources110 may be a concave surface. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6C, thesurface 120 a of the supporting portion 120 facing a corresponding oneof the light sources 110 may be a convex surface.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6D, the surface 120 a of thesupporting portion 120 facing a corresponding one of the light sources110 may have an uneven pattern formed thereon.

In certain embodiments, a reflective coating film or reflective coatingmaterial layer may be formed at each supporting portion 120 of thesubstrate 150 to reflect light generated by the light sources 110 towardthe optical member 600. The reflective coating film or reflectivecoating material layer may contain a metal, such as, for example, chrome(Cr), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), or other metal exhibitingrelatively high reflectance or a metal oxide, such as, for example,titanium oxide (TiO2), or other material exhibiting relatively highreflectance.

As described above, the shape or contour or surface finish of thesurface of each supporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 may bevaried based on a design condition of the light source module requiredby an apparatus to which the light source module is mounted, to provideuniform brightness throughout. The supporting portions 120 may all beflat, or all concave, or all convex, or all patterned, or a combinationthereof, as appropriate for a particular application.

FIGS. 7A to 7D are sectional views of connecting portions of asubstrate, in accordance with embodiments as broadly described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D, a light source module may include asubstrate 150 and a plurality of light sources 110 arranged on thesubstrate 150. The substrate 150 may include a plurality of supportingportions 120 and a plurality of connecting portions 130. The supportingportions 120 may be disposed so as to correspond to the respective lightsources 110, and the connecting portions 130 may be disposed betweenneighboring supporting portions 120.

As shown in FIG. 7A, a surface 130 a of each connecting portion 130disposed between neighboring supporting portions 120 may be a flatsurface.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7B, the surface 130 a of eachconnecting portion 130 disposed between neighboring supporting portions120 may be a concave surface. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7C, thesurface 130 a of each connecting portion 130 disposed betweenneighboring supporting portions 120 may be a convex surface.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7D, the surface 130 a of eachconnecting portion 130 disposed between neighboring supporting portions120 may have an uneven pattern formed thereon.

In certain embodiments, a reflective coating film or reflective coatingmaterial layer may be formed at each connecting portion 130 of thesubstrate 150 to reflect light generated by the light sources 110 towardthe optical member 600.

The reflective coating film or reflective coating material layer maycontain a metal, such as, for example, chrome (Cr), aluminum (Al),silver (Ag), gold (Au), or other metal exhibiting high reflectance or ametal oxide, such as titanium oxide (TiO2), or other material exhibitinghigh reflectance.

As described above, the shape of the surface of each connecting portion130 of the substrate 150 may be varied based on a design condition ofthe light source module required by an apparatus to which the lightsource module is mounted, to provide uniform brightness throughout. Theconnecting portions 130 may all be flat, or all concave, or all convex,or all patterned, or a combination thereof, as appropriate for aparticular application. Further, the various types of supportingportions 120 shown in FIGS. 6A-6D may be combined with the various typesof connecting portions 130 shown in FIGS. 7A-7D as appropriate for aparticular application.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are sectional views of connection between supportingportions and connecting portions of a substrate, in accordance withembodiments as broadly described herein. FIG. 8A shows an integrationtype substrate in which supporting portions and connecting portions areintegrated, and FIG. 8B shows a separation type substrate in whichsupporting portions and connecting portions are separated.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a light source module may include asubstrate 150 and a plurality of light sources 110 arranged on thesubstrate 150. The substrate 150 may include a plurality of supportingportions 120 and a plurality of connecting portions 130. The supportingportions 120 may be disposed so as to correspond to the respective lightsources 110, and the connecting portions 130 may be disposed betweenneighboring supporting portions 120.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the substrate 150 may be an integrated type inwhich the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 and theconnecting portions 130 of the substrate 150 are formed of the samematerial.

For example, the supporting portions 120 and the connecting portions 130of the substrate 150 may each include a base member and a circuitpattern disposed on at least one surface of the base member. The basemember may be formed of a film, such as polyimide or epoxy (for example,FR-4), exhibiting flexibility and insulating characteristics.

Additionally, the supporting portions 120 and the connecting portions130 of the substrate 150 may be formed of a soft material which isflexible, so that the substrate 150 may be applied to an object havingcurvature.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, the substrate 150 may be aseparation type in which the supporting portions 120 of the substrate150 and the connecting portions 130 of the substrate 150 are formed ofdifferent materials.

For example, the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 may beconductors, and the connecting portions 130 of the substrate 150 may benonconductors.

Additionally, the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 may beformed of a hard material which is not flexible to support therespective light sources 110, and the connecting portions 130 of thesubstrate 150 may be formed of a soft material which is flexible, sothat the substrate 150 may be applied to an object having curvature.

In the separation type substrate 150, coupling members may be providedbetween respective supporting portions 120 and connecting portions 130to electrically interconnect the supporting portions 120 and connectingportions 130.

A reflective coating film or reflective coating material layer may beformed at the supporting portions 120 and the connecting portions 130 ofthe integration or separation type substrates 150 to reflect lightgenerated by the light sources 110 toward the optical member 600.

The reflective coating film or reflective coating material layer maycontain a metal, such as, for example, chrome (Cr), aluminum (Al),silver (Ag), gold (Au), or other metal exhibiting high reflectance or ametal oxide, such as titanium oxide (TiO2), or other material exhibitinghigh reflectance.

Conductive patterns to apply current to drive the light sources 110 maybe provided at the supporting portions 120 and the connecting portions130 of the substrate 150. For example, the conductive patterns may beprovided on substantially the entire area of the substrate 150 includingthe supporting portions 120 and the connecting portions 130, or only atthe supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 supporting the lightsources 110.

In certain embodiments, the conductive patterns may be provided only atthe connecting portions 130 of the substrate 150 interconnectingneighboring supporting portions 120 to electrically interconnectneighboring light sources 110.

As described above, the type of connection between the supportingportions 120 and the connecting portions 130 of the substrate 150 may bevaried based on a design characteristics required by an apparatus towhich the light source module is mounted, to provide uniform brightnessthroughout.

FIGS. 9A to 9C are sectional views of supporting portions and connectingportions of a substrate having varying thicknesses, in accordance withembodiments as broadly described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, a light source module may include asubstrate 150 and a plurality of light sources 110 arranged on thesubstrate 150. The substrate 150 may include a plurality of supportingportions 120 and a plurality of connecting portions 130. The supportingportions 120 may be disposed so as to correspond to the respective lightsources 110, and the connecting portions 130 may be disposed betweenneighboring supporting portions 120.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150may have a first thickness t1, the connecting portions 130 of thesubstrate 150 may have a second thickness t2, and the first thickness t1and the second thickness t2 may be equal to each other.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9B, the supporting portions 120 of thesubstrate 150 may have a first thickness t1, the connecting portions 130of the substrate 150 may have a second thickness t2, and the firstthickness t1 and the second thickness t2 may be different from eachother.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, the first thickness t1 may begreater than the second thickness t2. For example, a ratio of the firstthickness t1 to the second thickness t2 may be about 1.1:1 to 30:1. Ifthe second thickness t2 is less than the first thickness t1 as shown inFIG. 9B, the substrate 150 may be easily curved.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9C, a thickness t22 of eachconnecting portion 130 of the substrate 150 at a portion thereof whichis relatively distant from a corresponding one of the supportingportions 120 of the substrate 150 may be less than a thickness t21 ofeach connecting portion 130 of the substrate 150 at a portion thereofwhich is relatively adjacent to a corresponding one of the supportingportions 120 of the substrate 150.

That is, each connecting portion 130 of the substrate 150 may be becomegradually thinner as it progresses away from a portion thereof adjacentto a corresponding one of the supporting portions 120 of the substrate150 toward a portion thereof that is distant from a corresponding one ofthe supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150. The thickness of eachconnecting portion 130 of the substrate 150 may gradually decreasetoward an intermediate portion thereof so that the substrate 150 may beeasily curved.

As described above, the thicknesses of the supporting portions 120 andthe connecting portions 130 of the substrate 150 may be varied based ona design characteristic required by an apparatus to which the lightsource module is mounted, to provide uniform brightness throughout.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a supporting portion of a substrate, inaccordance with an embodiment as broadly described herein.

As shown in FIG. 10, a light source module may include a substrate 150and a plurality of light sources 110 arranged on the substrate 150. Thesubstrate 150 may include a plurality of supporting portions 120 and aplurality of connecting portions 130. The supporting portions 120 may bedisposed so as to correspond to the respective light sources 110, andthe connecting portions 130 may be disposed between neighboringsupporting portions 120. Each supporting portion 120 of the substrate150 may include a first surface 120 a facing a corresponding one of thelight sources 110 mounted thereon and a second surface 120 b oppositethe first surface 120 a. The first surface 120 a may be a substantiallyflat surface, and the second surface 120 b may have an uneven patternformed thereon.

The first surface 120 a of each supporting portion 120 is flat toreflect light generated by a corresponding one of the light sources 110upward to improve brightness. The uneven pattern may be formed at thesecond surface 120 b of the supporting portion 120 to facilitatedissipation of heat generated by a corresponding one of the lightsources 110.

As described above, the surface of each supporting portion 120 of thesubstrate 150 may be varied based on a design characteristic of anapparatus to which the light source module is applied, to provideuniform brightness throughout.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a reflector and heat dissipationpins of a supporting portion of a substrate.

As shown in FIG. 11, a light source module may include a substrate 150and a plurality of light sources 110 arranged on the substrate 150. Thesubstrate 150 may include a plurality of supporting portions 120 and aplurality of connecting portions 130. The supporting portions 120 may bedisposed so as to correspond to the respective light sources 110, andthe connecting portions 130 may be disposed between neighboringsupporting portions 120. Each supporting portion 120 of the substrate150 may include a first surface 120 a facing a corresponding one of thelight sources 110 and a second surface 120 b opposite the first surface120 a. A reflector 127 may be disposed on the first surface 120 a, and aplurality of heat dissipation pins 129 may be disposed on the secondsurface 120 b.

The reflector 127 may contain a metal, such as, for example, chrome(Cr), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), or other metal exhibitingrelatively high reflectance or a metal oxide, such as titanium oxide(TiO2), or other material exhibiting relatively high reflectance

The heat dissipation pins 129 may be formed of a material exhibitingrelatively high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, an aluminumalloy, copper, or a copper alloy.

The reflector 127 may be formed at the first surface 120 a of eachsupporting portion 120 to reflect light generated by the light source110 upward to improve brightness.

The heat dissipation pins 129 may be formed at the second surface 120 bof each supporting portion 120 to facilitate dissipation of heatgenerated by a corresponding one of the light sources 110.

As described above, the reflector 127 and the heat dissipation pins 129of each supporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 may be varied basedon a design characteristic required by an apparatus to which the lightsource module is applied, to provide uniform brightness throughout.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are plan views of connecting portions of a substrate,in accordance with embodiments as broadly described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, a light source module may include asubstrate 150 and a plurality of light sources 110 arranged on thesubstrate 150. The substrate 150 may include a plurality of supportingportions 120 and a plurality of connecting portions 130. The supportingportions 120 may be disposed so as to correspond to the respective lightsources 110, and the connecting portions 130 may be disposed betweenneighboring supporting portions 120.

Conductive patterns 132 to electrically interconnect neighboring lightsources 110 may be disposed at each connecting portion 130 of thesubstrate 150.

As shown in FIG. 12A, a width W2 of each connecting portion 130 of thesubstrate 150 may be substantially equal to a width W1 of eachsupporting portion 120 of the substrate 150.

In a case in which the width W2 of each connecting portion 130 of thesubstrate 150 is equal to the width W1 of each supporting portion 120 ofthe substrate 150, it may be possible to secure a free space in whichthe conductive patterns 132 may be provided in various forms.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12B, the width W2 of each connectingportion 130 of the substrate 150 may be less than the width W1 of eachsupporting portion 120 of the substrate 150. In a case in which thewidth W2 of each connecting portion 130 of the substrate 150 is lessthan the width W1 of each supporting portion 120 of the substrate 150,the substrate 150 may be easily curved so that the substrate 150 may beapplied to an object having curvature.

As described above, the width of each connecting portion 130 of thesubstrate 150 may be varied based on a design characteristic required byan apparatus to which the light source module is applied, to provideuniform brightness throughout.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a light source module according to anembodiment as broadly described herein.

As shown in FIG. 13, the light source module may include a substrate 150and at least one light source 110 arranged on the substrate 150. Thesubstrate 150 may include a circuit pattern 152 electrically connectedto the light source 110 and a film 154 exhibiting flexibility andinsulating characteristics, disposed on and/or under the circuit pattern152.

For example, the film 154 of the substrate 150 may be formed of, forexample, photo solder resist (PSR), polyimide, epoxy (for example,FR-4), or a combination thereof.

In a case in which the films 154 of the substrate 150 are disposed aboveand below the circuit pattern 152 as shown in FIG. 13, the film disposedon one side of (above) the circuit pattern 152 may be different fromthat disposed on the other side of (below) the circuit pattern 152.

In another embodiment, the substrate 150 of the light source module maybe a printed circuit board (PCB) made of, for example, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), glass, polycarbonate (PC), silicon (Si), polyimide,and epoxy. As an example, a single layer PCB, multi layer PCB, ceramicsubstrate, or metal core PCB may be selectively used as the substrate150 of the light source module.

The light source 110 of the light source module may be a top view typelight emitting diode. In certain embodiments, the light source 110 ofthe light source module may be a side view type light emitting diode.

The light source 110 of the light source module may be a light emittingdiode (LED) chip. The LED chip may be a red LED chip, blue LED chip, orultraviolet LED chip. Alternatively, the LED chip may be at least one ofa red LED chip, green LED chip, blue LED chip, yellow LED chip, whiteLED chip, or a combination thereof.

For example, in a case in which a lamp unit is applied to a taillight ofa vehicle, as shown in FIG. 34, the light source 110 of the light sourcemodule may be a vertical light emitting chip, such as a red lightingemitting chip. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a lens of the light source module, inaccordance with embodiments as broadly described herein.

As shown in FIG. 14, the light source module may include a substrate 150having an electrode pattern and a light source 110 arranged on thesubstrate 150. The light source 110 of the light source module mayinclude a lens 200. The lens 200 may include a groove 200 a provided ata position corresponding to a central area of a light emission surface110 a of the light source 110. The groove 200 a may be formed in, forexample, a conical or trapezoidal cross section having a wide top and anarrow bottom to widen an orientation angle of light emitted by thelight source 110. However, embodiments are not limited thereto, andvarious types of lenses may be used.

FIGS. 15A to 15C are sectional views of various lenses applied to thelight source module, in accordance with embodiments as broadly describedherein.

As shown in FIGS. 15A to 15C, the light source module may include asubstrate 150, a light source 110, and a lens 200. The light source 110may be an LED chip, as shown in FIG. 15A, or an LED package in which anLED chip 117 is disposed in a package body 118, as shown in FIGS. 15Band 15C. The lens 200 may cover the light source 110. Lenses 200 havingvarious structures may be applied depending upon the type of lightsource 110.

For example, in a case in which the light source 110 is an LED chip 117disposed on the substrate 150, as shown in FIG. 15A, the lens 200 may bedisposed on the substrate 150 to cover the LED chip 117.

In a case in which the light source 110 is an LED chip 117 disposed in apackage body 118, as shown in FIG. 15B, the lens 200 may be disposed onthe package body 118 to cover the LED chip 117.

In a case in which the light source 110 is an LED package in which theLED chip 117 is disposed in the package body 118, as shown in FIG. 15C,the lens 200 may be disposed on the substrate 150 to cover the entiretyof the package body 118 including the LED chip 117. The lens 200 maycover the LED package while being spaced apart from the package body 118by a predetermined distance.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view t of a light source module according to afourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 16, an optical member 600 may be spaced apart from asubstrate 150 by a predetermined distance. A light mixing area, or airguide area, may be formed between the substrate 150 and the opticalmember 600. The light source module may include the substrate 150 and aplurality of light sources 110 arranged on the substrate 150. Thesubstrate 150 may include a plurality of supporting portions 120 and aplurality of connecting portions 130. The supporting portions 120 may bedisposed so as to correspond to the respective light sources 110, andthe connecting portions 130 may be disposed between neighboringsupporting portions 120. The supporting portions 120 may include a firstsupporting portion 121, second supporting portion 122, and thirdsupporting portion 123. The second supporting portion 122 may bedisposed at one side of the first supporting portion 121. The thirdsupporting portion 123 may be disposed at the other side of the firstsupporting portion 121. The light sources 110 may include a first lightsource 111 supported by the first supporting portion 121, a second lightsource 112 supported by the second supporting portion 122, and a thirdlight source 113 supported by the third supporting portion 123.

The first supporting portion 121 may be disposed such that a firstperpendicular line V1 passing through a first point P1 of a surface 121a of the first supporting portion 121 facing the first light source 111is at a first angle θ1 with respect to a reference line facing apredetermined reference direction. The predetermined reference directionmay be a direction in which the amount or intensity of light generatedfrom the light sources 110 is measured. The second supporting portion122 may be disposed such that a second perpendicular line V2 passingthrough a second point P2 of a surface 122 a of the second supportingportion 122 facing the second light source 112 is at a second angle θ2with respect to the reference line. The third supporting portion 123 maybe disposed such that a third perpendicular line V3 passing through athird point P3 of a surface 123 a of the third supporting portion 123facing the third light source 113 is at a third angle θ3 with respect tothe reference line.

When the first perpendicular line V1 passing through the first point P1of the surface 121 a of the first supporting portion 121 facing thefirst light source 111 passes through a point P11 of the optical member600, the second perpendicular line V2 passing through the second pointP2 of the surface 122 a of the second supporting portion 122 facing thesecond light source 112 passes through a point P12 of the optical member600, and the third perpendicular line V3 passing through the third pointP3 of the surface 123 a of the third supporting portion 123 facing thethird light source 113 passes through a point P13 of the optical member600, a distance D11 between the point P11 of the optical member 600 andthe surface 121 a of the first supporting portion 121, a distance D12between the point P12 of the optical member 600 and the surface 122 a ofthe second supporting portion 122, and a distance D13 between the pointP13 of the optical member 600 and the surface 123 a of the thirdsupporting portion 123 may be equal to one another.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the distance D11, the distanceD12, and the distance D13 may be different from the others. The distanceD11, the distance D12, and the distance D13 may be greater than or equalto about 10 mm.

For example, the distance D11, the distance D12, and the distance D13may be about 10 mm to 50 cm.

If the distance between the surface of each supporting portion 120 and acorresponding point of the optical member 600 is less than about 10 mm,a lamp unit may not exhibit uniform brightness, and a hot spotphenomenon having a concentrated area of high brightness where eachlight source 110 is located may occur.

On the other hand, if the distance between the surface of eachsupporting portion 120 and a corresponding point of the optical member600 is greater than about 50 cm, the brightness of the lamp unit may berelatively low, and therefore, the lamp unit may not provide the desiredutility.

As described above, the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 maybe disposed at predetermined angles with respect to the reference linefacing the predetermined reference direction. The predeterminedreference direction may be a direction in which the amount or intensityof light generated from the light sources 110 is measured. In a case inwhich a predetermined condition, such as the amount or intensity oflight emitted in a specific direction, is required by an apparatus towhich the lamp unit is applied, the light source module may be arrangedto satisfy the required condition.

For example, in a case in which the lamp unit is applied to a taillightof a vehicle, certain safety standards may apply. For example, whenviewed at a horizontal angle of an outer axle of the vehicle of 45degrees from the central point of light, a projected area may be greaterthan or equal to about 12.5 cm2, and, for example, the brightness of abraking lamp may be about 40 to 420 candela (cd).

Consequently, substantially the entire light source module may bedesigned based on the predetermined reference direction, and therefore,the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 may be disposed atpredetermined angles with respect to the reference line facing thepredetermined reference direction.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a light source module according to afifth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 17, an optical member 600 may be spaced apart from asubstrate 150 by a predetermined distance. A light mixing area, or airguide area, may be formed between the substrate 150 and the opticalmember 600.

The light source module may include the substrate 150 and a plurality oflight sources 110 arranged on the substrate 150. The light sources 110may include a first light source 111, second light source 112, and thirdlight source 113. The first light source 111 may be supported by a firstsupporting portion 121. The second light source 112 may be supported bya second supporting portion 122. The third light source 113 may besupported by a third supporting portion 123. The light sources 110 maybe spaced apart from the optical member 600 by a predetermined distance.In certain embodiments, the light sources 110 may be spaced apart fromthe optical member 600 by the same distance.

For example, when the surface of the first light source 111 is oppositethe surface of the optical member 600, the surface of the first lightsource 111 may be spaced apart from the surface of the optical member600 by a distance D15. When the surface of the second light source 112is opposite the surface of the optical member 600, the surface of thesecond light source 112 may be spaced apart from the surface of theoptical member 600 by a distance D16. When the surface of the thirdlight source 113 is opposite the surface of the optical member 600, thesurface of the third light source 113 may be spaced apart from thesurface of the optical member 600 by a distance D17. The distance D15,the distance D16, and the distance D17 may be equal to one another toprovide uniform brightness throughout. In alternative embodiments, atleast one of the distance D15, the distance D16, or the distance D17 maybe different from the others.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of an optical member.

As shown in FIG. 18, an optical member 600 may be spaced apart from asubstrate 150 by a predetermined distance. A light mixing area, or airguide area, may be formed between the substrate 150 and the opticalmember 600. A light source module may include the substrate 150 and aplurality of light sources 110 arranged on the substrate 150. Thesubstrate 150 may include a plurality of supporting portions 120 and aplurality of connecting portions 130. The supporting portions 120 may bedisposed so as to correspond to the respective light sources 110, andthe connecting portions 130 may be disposed between neighboringsupporting portions 120.

The optical member 600 may function as a cover member.

The optical member 600 may include at least two inclined surfaces havingat least one inflection point IP. For example, the optical member 600may be divided into a first area and second area based on the inflectionpoint IP. The inclined surface of the first area of the optical member600 may have a first radius of curvature, and the inclined surface ofthe second area of the optical member 600 may have a second radius ofcurvature. The first radius of curvature may be different from thesecond radius of curvature.

In certain embodiments, the optical member 600 may have a plurality ofinflection points IP, and the inclined surfaces adjacent to each otheron opposite sides of the inflection points IP may have different radiiof curvature.

The optical member 600 may also include at least one of a diffusionsheet that diffuses light emitted from the light sources 110, a prismsheet that guides the diffused light to a light emission area, and/or abrightness enhancement sheet that enhances brightness.

For example, the diffusion sheet may be formed of an acryl resin,however, the diffusion sheet is not so limited. In addition, thediffusion sheet may be formed of a material having a light diffusionfunction, for example, high-transmissive plastic, such as polystyrene(PS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC),polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or resin.

The optical member 600 may also have an uneven pattern formed on one ormore surfaces thereof. The optical member 600 is provided to diffuselight emitted from the light source module to improve a diffusion effectof the optical member 600.

The optical member 600 may include a plurality of layers. The unevenpattern may be formed on a surface of the uppermost layer, or on aspecific one of the layers.

The uneven pattern may have a stripe shape arranged in one direction.

The uneven pattern may have protrusions formed at the surface of theoptical member 600. Each protrusion may include a first surface andsecond surface opposite to each other. The angle between the firstsurface and second surface may be an obtuse angle or acute angle.

In certain embodiments, the uneven pattern may have grooves formed atthe surface of the optical member 600. Each groove may include a thirdsurface and fourth surface opposite to each other. The angle between thethird surface and fourth surface may be an obtuse angle or an acuteangle.

FIGS. 19A to 19D are sectional views of exemplary patterns formed on theoptical member.

As shown in FIGS. 19A to 19D, a pattern 610 may be formed on a surfaceof the optical member 600 to improve diffusion of light emitted by thelight source module.

As shown in FIG. 19A, the pattern 610 of the optical member 600 may beprovided on an upper (exterior facing) surface 600 a of the opticalmember 600. The upper surface 600 a of the optical member 600 may bepositioned opposite a cover member. In a case in which the opticalmember 600 includes a plurality of layers, the pattern 610 may beprovided on the surface of the uppermost layer.

As shown in FIG. 19B, the uneven pattern 610 of the optical member 600may be provided on a lower (interior facing) surface 600 b of theoptical member 600. The lower surface 600 b of the optical member 600may be positioned opposite a light source module. In a case in which theoptical member 600 includes a plurality of layers, the pattern 610 maybe disposed on the surface of the lowermost layer.

As shown in FIG. 19C, the patterns 610 of the optical member 600 may bedisposed on the upper surface 600 a of the optical member 600 and thelower surface 600 b of the optical member 600. In a case in which theoptical member 600 includes a plurality of layers, the patterns 610 maybe disposed on the surface of the uppermost layer and the surface of thelowermost layer.

As shown in FIG. 19D, the pattern 610 of the optical member 600 may bedisposed on a portion of the upper surface 600 a of the optical member600 or a portion of the lower surface 600 b of the optical member 600.

The pattern 610 may include protrusions formed at the surface of theoptical member 600 that form an uneven surface or contour on the opticalmember 600. Each protrusion may include a first surface and secondsurface opposite to each other. The angle between the first surface andsecond surface may be an obtuse angle or acute angle.

In certain embodiments, the uneven pattern may have grooves formed atthe surface of the optical member 600. Each groove may include a thirdsurface and fourth surface opposite to each other. The angle between thethird surface and fourth surface may be an obtuse angle or acute angle.In alternative embodiments, the pattern 610 may be formed by acombination of the shapes described above.

As described above, the pattern 610 of the optical member 600 may bevaried based on a design characteristic required by an apparatus towhich the light source module is applied, to provide uniform brightnessthroughout. The pattern 610 may form a substantially uniform pattern ofprotrusions and grooves, or an irregular pattern of protrusions andgrooves, as appropriate for a particular application.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view showing the position of the pattern on theoptical member.

As shown in FIG. 20, the pattern 610 of the optical member 600 may bedisposed on a portion of the upper surface 600 a of the optical member600 or, alternatively or additionally, on a portion of the lower surface600 b of the optical member 600. The pattern 610 of the optical member600 may be disposed on the surface of the optical member 600corresponding to the supporting portions having an angle between aperpendicular line passing through a point on the surface of eachsupporting portion facing a corresponding one of the light sources and areference line facing a predetermined reference direction of 0 to 45degrees.

The pattern 610 of the optical member 600 is not typically provided onthe surface of the optical member 600 corresponding to the supportingportions having an angle between a perpendicular line passing through apoint on the surface of each supporting portion facing a correspondingone of the light sources and the reference line facing the predeterminedreference direction of 45.1 to 90 degrees.

As described above, the pattern 610 of the optical member 600 may bedisposed only on the surface of the optical member 600 corresponding tothe supporting portions having an angle between a perpendicular linepassing through a point on the surface of each supporting portion facinga corresponding one of the light sources and a reference line facing apredetermined reference direction of 0 to 45 degrees to provide uniformbrightness in the predetermined reference direction in which the amountor intensity of light generated from the light sources 110 is measured.

For example, when a first supporting portion 121 is disposed such that afirst perpendicular line V1 passing through a first point P1 of asurface 121 a of the first supporting portion 121 facing a first lightsource 111 is at a first angle θ1 with respect to a reference linefacing a predetermined reference direction, and a second supportingportion 122 is disposed such that a second perpendicular line V2 passingthrough a second point P2 of a surface 122 a of the second supportingportion 122 facing a second light source 112 is at a second angle θ2with respect to the reference line, if the second angle θ2 is less thanthe first angle θ1, the uneven pattern 610 of the optical member 600 maybe disposed so as to correspond to the second supporting portion 122.

As described above, the position of the uneven pattern 610 of theoptical member 600 may be varied based on a design requirement of anapparatus to which the light source module is applied, to provideuniform brightness throughout.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are sectional views of patterns provided on theoptical member depending upon a position thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, the pattern 610 of the optical member 600may be disposed on the upper surface 600 a of the optical member 600 or,alternatively, on the lower surface 600 b of the optical member 600. Thepattern 610 may be formed by protrusions on the surface of the opticalmember 600. Each protrusion may be formed in, for example, a triangularcross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 21A or a semicircularcross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 21B, or other cross-sectionalshape as appropriate.

In certain embodiments, the pattern 610 of the optical member 600 mayhave grooves formed at the surface of the optical member 600. Eachgroove may be formed in, for example, a triangular shape or asemicircular cross-sectional shape, or other cross-sectional shape asappropriate.

For example, in a case in which the shape of the pattern 610 istriangular, as shown in FIG. 21A, the pattern 610 may include a firstsurface 610 a and second surface 610 b opposite each other.

An angle θ31 between the first surface 610 a of the pattern 610 and thesurface of the optical member 600 may be equal to or different from anangle θ32 between the second surface 610 b of the uneven pattern 610 andthe surface of the optical member 600.

For example, the greater an angle between a perpendicular line passingthrough a point on the surface of each supporting portion facing acorresponding one of the light sources and a reference line facing apredetermined reference direction is, the less the angle θ31 between thefirst surface 610 a of the uneven pattern 610 and the surface of theoptical member 600 may be.

On the other hand, the greater an angle between a perpendicular linepassing through a point on the surface of each supporting portion facinga corresponding one of the light sources and the reference line facingthe predetermined reference direction is, the greater the angle θ32between the second surface 610 b of the uneven pattern 610 and thesurface of the optical member 600 may be.

As described above, the greater an angle between a perpendicular linepassing through a point on the surface of each supporting portion facinga corresponding one of the light sources and the reference line facingthe predetermined reference direction is, the less the angle θ31 betweenthe first surface 610 a of the uneven pattern 610 and the surface of theoptical member 600 is, whereas the greater the angle θ32 between thesecond surface 610 b of the uneven pattern 610 and the surface of theoptical member 600 is, to provide uniform brightness in thepredetermined reference direction in which the amount or intensity oflight generated from the light sources 110 is measured.

For example, when a first supporting portion 121 is disposed such that afirst perpendicular line V1 passing through a first point P1 of asurface 121 a of the first supporting portion 121 facing a first lightsource 111 is at a first angle θ1 to a reference line facing apredetermined reference direction, and a second supporting portion 122is disposed such that a second perpendicular line V2 passing through asecond point P2 of a surface 122 a of the second supporting portion 122facing a second light source 112 is at a second angle θ2 to thereference line, if the second angle θ2 is less than the first angle θ1,the angle θ31 of the uneven pattern 610 corresponding to the firstsupporting portion 121 may be less than the angle θ31 of the unevenpattern 610 corresponding to the second supporting portion 122, and theangle θ32 of the pattern 610 corresponding to the first supportingportion 121 may be greater than the angle θ32 of the pattern 610corresponding to the second supporting portion 122.

Also, in a case in which the cross-sectional shape of the pattern 610 issemicircular, as shown in FIG. 21B, the pattern 610 may include aninclined surface having a radius of curvature R11 and an inclinedsurface having a radius of curvature R12 disposed at opposite sides ofeach inflection point.

The radius of curvature R11 may be equal to or different from the radiusof curvature R12 of the pattern 610.

For example, the greater an angle between a perpendicular line passingthrough a point on the surface of each supporting portion facing acorresponding one of the light sources and a reference line facing apredetermined reference direction is, the greater the radius ofcurvature R11 of the inclined surface of the pattern 610 may be.

On the other hand, the greater an angle between a perpendicular linepassing through a point on the surface of each supporting portion facinga corresponding one of the light sources and the reference line facingthe predetermined reference direction is, the less the radius ofcurvature R12 of the inclined surface of the pattern 610 may be.

As described above, the greater an angle between a perpendicular linepassing through a point on the surface of each supporting portion facinga corresponding one of the light sources and a reference line facing apredetermined reference direction is, the greater the radius ofcurvature R11 of the inclined surface of the pattern 610 is, whereas theless the radius of curvature R12 of the inclined surface of the pattern610 is, to provide uniform brightness in the predetermined referencedirection in which the amount or intensity of light generated from thelight sources 110 is measured.

For example, when the first supporting portion 121 is disposed such thata first perpendicular line V1 passing through a first point P1 of asurface 121 a of the first supporting portion 121 facing the first lightsource 111 is at a first angle θ1 to a reference line facing apredetermined reference direction, and the second supporting portion 122is disposed such that a second perpendicular line V2 passing through asecond point P2 of a surface 122 a of the second supporting portion 122facing the second light source 112 is at a second angle θ2 to thereference line, if the second angle θ2 is less than the first angle θ1,the radius of curvature R11 of the inclined surface corresponding to thefirst supporting portion 121 may be greater than the radius of curvatureR11 of the inclined surface corresponding to the second supportingportion 122, and the radius of curvature R12 of the inclined surfacecorresponding to the first supporting portion 121 may be less than theradius of curvature R12 of the inclined surface corresponding to thesecond supporting portion 122.

As described above, the shape of the pattern 610 of the optical member600 may be varied based on a design requirement of an apparatus to whichthe light source module is applied, to provide uniform brightnessthroughout.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are sectional views of an optical member, inaccordance with embodiments as broadly described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, an optical member 600 may be spaced apartfrom a substrate 150 by a predetermined distance. A light mixing area,or air guide area, may be formed between the substrate 150 and theoptical member 600. A light source module may include the substrate 150and a plurality of light sources 110 arranged on the substrate 150. Thesubstrate 150 may include a plurality of supporting portions 120 and aplurality of connecting portions 130. The supporting portions 120 may bedisposed so as to correspond to the respective light sources 110, andthe connecting portions 130 may be disposed between neighboringsupporting portions 120.

As shown in FIG. 22A, a thickness t21 of an area of the optical member600 corresponding to the supporting portions having an angle between aperpendicular line passing through a point on the surface of eachsupporting portion facing a corresponding one of the light sources and areference line facing a predetermined reference direction of 0 to 45degrees may be less than a thickness t22 of an area of the opticalmember 600 corresponding to the supporting portions having an anglebetween a perpendicular line passing through a point on the surface ofeach supporting portion facing a corresponding one of the light sourcesand the reference line facing the predetermined reference direction of45.1 to 90 degrees.

As described above, the thickness of the optical member 600 is changedto provide a larger amount of light in the predetermined referencedirection in which the amount or intensity of light generated from thelight sources 110 is measured.

For example, when a first supporting portion 121 is disposed such that afirst perpendicular line V1 passing through a first point P1 of asurface 121 a of the first supporting portion 121 facing a first lightsource 111 is at a first angle θ1 with respect to a reference linefacing a predetermined reference direction, and a second supportingportion 122 is disposed such that a second perpendicular line V2 passingthrough a second point P2 of a surface 122 a of the second supportingportion 122 facing a second light source 112 is at a second angle θ2with respect to the reference line, if the second angle θ2 is less thanthe first angle θ1, the thickness t21 of the optical member 600corresponding to the second supporting portion 122 may be less than thethickness t22 of the optical member 600 corresponding to the firstsupporting portion 121.

In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 22B, the thickness t21 of anarea of the optical member 600 corresponding to the supporting portionshaving an angle between a perpendicular line passing through a point onthe surface of each supporting portion facing a corresponding one of thelight sources and the reference line facing the predetermined referencedirection of 0 to 45 degrees may be greater than the thickness t22 of anarea of the optical member 600 corresponding to the supporting portionshaving an angle between a perpendicular line passing through a point onthe surface of each supporting portion facing a corresponding one of thelight sources and the reference line facing the predetermined referencedirection of 45.1 to 90 degrees.

For example, when the first supporting portion 121 is disposed such thata first perpendicular line V1 passing through a first point P1 of asurface 121 a of the first supporting portion 121 facing a first lightsource 111 is at a first angle θ1 with respect to a reference linefacing a predetermined reference direction, and the second supportingportion 122 is disposed such that a second perpendicular line V2 passingthrough a second point P2 of a surface 122 a of the second supportingportion 122 facing a second light source 112 is at a second angle θ2with respect to the reference line, if the second angle θ2 is less thanthe first angle θ1, the thickness t21 of the optical member 600corresponding to the second supporting portion 122 may be greater thanthe thickness t22 of the optical member 600 corresponding to the firstsupporting portion 121.

As described above, the thickness of the optical member 600 may bevaried based on a design requirement of an apparatus to which the lightsource module is applied, to provide uniform brightness throughout andto increase the amount of light in the predetermined referencedirection.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the optical member including reflectors.

As shown in FIG. 23, the optical member 600 may be spaced apart from asubstrate 150 by a predetermined distance. A light mixing area, or airguide area, may be formed between the substrate 150 and the opticalmember 600. A light source module may include the substrate 150 and aplurality of light sources 110 arranged on the substrate 150. Thesubstrate 150 may include a plurality of supporting portions 120 and aplurality of connecting portions 130. The supporting portions 120 may bedisposed so as to correspond to the respective light sources 110, andthe connecting portions 130 may be disposed between neighboringsupporting portions 120.

When a perpendicular line V5 passing through a point of a light emissionsurface 110 a of each light source 110 passes through a point P15 of theoptical member 600, a reflector 300 may be disposed on the point P15 ofthe optical member 600.

The reflector 300 may be formed at an area of the optical member 600corresponding to the light emission surface 110 a of each light source110 because of a hot spot phenomenon having high brightness at the areaat which each light source 110 is located that may occur.

The reflector 300 of the optical member 600 may contain a metal, suchas, for example, chrome (Cr), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), orother metal exhibiting high reflectance or a metal oxide, such astitanium oxide (TiO2), or other material exhibiting high reflectance.

As described above, the reflector of the optical member 600 may bevaried based on a design requirement of an apparatus to which the lightsource module is applied, to provide uniform brightness throughout.

FIGS. 24A and 24B are sectional views of a light source module accordingto a sixth embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, the light source module may include asubstrate 150 and a plurality of light sources 110 arranged on thesubstrate 150. The substrate 150 may include a plurality of supportingportions 120 and a plurality of connecting portions 130. The supportingportions 120 may be disposed so as to correspond to the respective lightsources 110, and the connecting portions 130 may be disposed betweenneighboring supporting portions 120. The supporting portions 120 mayinclude a first supporting portion 121, second supporting portion 122,and third supporting portion 123. The second supporting portion 122 maybe disposed at one side of the first supporting portion 121. The thirdsupporting portion 123 may be disposed at the other side of the firstsupporting portion 121. The light sources 110 may include a first lightsource 111 supported by the first supporting portion 121, a second lightsource 112 supported by the second supporting portion 122, and a thirdlight source 113 may be supported by the third supporting portion 123.

The first supporting portion 121 may be disposed such that a firstperpendicular line V1 passing through a first point P1 of a surface 121a of the first supporting portion 121 facing the first light source 111is at a first angle θ1 with respect to a reference line facing apredetermined reference direction. The predetermined reference directionmay be a direction in which the amount or intensity of light generatedfrom the light sources 110 is measured. The second supporting portion122 may be disposed such that a second perpendicular line V2 passingthrough a second point P2 of a surface 122 a of the second supportingportion 122 facing the second light source 112 is at a second angle θ2with respect to the reference line. The third supporting portion 123 maybe disposed such that a third perpendicular line V3 passing through athird point P3 of a surface 123 a of the third supporting portion 123facing the third light source 113 is at a third angle θ3 with respect tothe reference line.

When the second angle θ2 of the second supporting portion 122 is lessthan the first angle θ1 of the first supporting portion 121 and thethird angle θ3 of the third supporting portion 123, as shown in FIG.24A, an orientation angle θ52 of light from the second light source 112supported by the second supporting portion 122 may be less than anorientation angle θ51 of light from the first light source 111 and anorientation angle θ53 of light from the third light source 113.

On the other hand, when the second angle θ2 of the second supportingportion 122 is greater than the first angle θ1 of the first supportingportion 121 and the third angle θ3 of the third supporting portion 123,as shown in FIG. 24B, the orientation angle θ52 of light from the secondlight source 112 supported by the second supporting portion 122 may begreater than the orientation angle θ51 of light from the first lightsource 111 and the orientation angle θ53 of light from the third lightsource 113.

For example, the orientation angle of light from the light sourcesdisposed at the supporting portions having an angle between aperpendicular line passing through a point on the surface of eachsupporting portion facing a corresponding one of the light sources andthe reference line facing the predetermined reference direction of about0 to 45 degrees may be less than that of light from the light sourcesdisposed at the supporting portions having an angle between aperpendicular line passing through a point on the surface of eachsupporting portion opposite a corresponding one of the light sources andthe reference line facing the predetermined reference direction of about45.1 to 90 degrees.

As described above, the orientation angle of light from the lightsources is changed depending upon the position of the light sourceswhich may be changed based on a design requirement of an apparatus towhich the light source module is applied, to provide uniform brightnessthroughout and to increase the amount of light in the predeterminedreference direction.

FIGS. 25A and 25B are sectional views of a light source module accordingto a seventh embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, the light source module may include asubstrate 150 and a plurality of light sources 110 arranged on thesubstrate 150. The substrate 150 may include a plurality of supportingportions 120 and a plurality of connecting portions 130. The supportingportions 120 may be disposed so as to correspond to the respective lightsources 110, and the connecting portions 130 may be disposed betweenneighboring supporting portions 120. The supporting portions 120 mayinclude a first supporting portion 121, second supporting portion 122,and third supporting portion 123. The second supporting portion 122 maybe disposed at one side of the first supporting portion 121. The thirdsupporting portion 123 may be disposed at the other side of the firstsupporting portion 121. The light sources 110 may include a first lightsource 111, second light source 112, and third light source 113. Thefirst light source 111 may be supported by the first supporting portion121. The second light source 112 may be supported by the secondsupporting portion 122. The third light source 113 may be supported bythe third supporting portion 123.

The first supporting portion 121 may be disposed such that a firstperpendicular line V1 passing through a first point P1 of a surface 121a of the first supporting portion 121 facing the first light source 111is at a first angle θ1 with respect to a reference line facing apredetermined reference direction. The predetermined reference directionmay be a direction in which the amount or intensity of light generatedfrom the light sources 110 is measured. The second supporting portion122 may be disposed such that a second perpendicular line V2 passingthrough a second point P2 of a surface 122 a of the second supportingportion 122 facing the second light source 112 is at a second angle θ2with respect to the reference line. The third supporting portion 123 maybe disposed such that a third perpendicular line V3 passing through athird point P3 of a surface 123 a of the third supporting portion 123facing the third light source 113 is at a third angle θ3 with respect tothe reference line.

As shown in FIG. 25A, a distribution area of light emitted from thefirst light source 111 may partially overlap with that of light emittedfrom the second light source 112 or the third light source 113.

The In certain embodiments, the overlap area may be about 20% or less ofthe entire distribution area of light emitted from the first lightsource 111. If the overlap area exceeds about 20% of the entiredistribution area of light emitted from the first light source 111, ahot spot phenomenon having high brightness at the overlap area mayoccur.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 25B, in certain embodiments, thedistribution area of light emitted from the first light source 111 maypartially contact that of light emitted from the second light source 112or the third light source 113.

The distribution area of light emitted from the first light source 111may include a first contact point P61 contacting the distribution areaof light emitted from the second light source 112 and a second contactpoint P62 contacting the distribution area of light emitted from thethird light source 113.

As described above, the distribution area of light from the light sourcemodule may be changed based on the structure of the light sources andthe lenses to provide uniform brightness throughout without theoccurrence of a hot spot phenomenon.

Also, the distribution area of light from the light source module may bechanged based on a design requirement of an apparatus to which the lightsource module is applied.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view showing arrangement of a light source moduleaccording to an eighth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 26, the light source module may include a substrate 150and a plurality of light sources 110 arranged on the substrate 150. Thesubstrate 150 may include a plurality of supporting portions 120 and aplurality of connecting portions 130. The supporting portions 120 may bedisposed so as to correspond to the respective light sources 110, andthe connecting portions 130 may be disposed between neighboringsupporting portions 120. The supporting portions 120 may include a firstsupporting portion 121, second supporting portion 122, and thirdsupporting portion 123. The second supporting portion 122 may bedisposed at one side of the first supporting portion 121. The thirdsupporting portion 123 may be disposed at the other side of the firstsupporting portion 121. The light sources 110 may include a first lightsource 111 supported by the first supporting portion 121, a second lightsource 112 supported by the second supporting portion 122, and a thirdlight source 113 supported by the third supporting portion 123.

The first supporting portion 121 may be disposed such that a firstperpendicular line V1 passing through a first point P1 of a surface 121a of the first supporting portion 121 facing the first light source 111is at a first angle θ1 with respect to a reference line facing apredetermined reference direction. The predetermined reference directionmay be a direction in which the amount or intensity of light generatedfrom the light sources 110 is measured. The second supporting portion122 may be disposed such that a second perpendicular line V2 passingthrough a second point P2 of a surface 122 a of the second supportingportion 122 facing the second light source 112 is at a second angle θ2with respect to the reference line. The third supporting portion 123 maybe disposed such that a third perpendicular line V3 passing through athird point P3 of a surface 123 a of the third supporting portion 123facing the third light source 113 is at a third angle θ3 with respect tothe reference line.

As shown in FIG. 26, a distribution area of light emitted from the firstlight source 111 may partially contact that of light emitted from thesecond light source 112 or the third light source 113.

The distribution area of light emitted from the first light source 111may include a first contact point P61 contacting the distribution areaof light emitted from the second light source 112 and a second contactpoint P62 contacting the distribution area of light emitted from thethird light source 113.

When the first angle θ1 of the first supporting portion 121 is greaterthan the second angle θ2 of the second supporting portion 122 and lessthan the third angle θ3 of the third supporting portion 123, theintensity of light at an area where the first contact point P61 islocated may be greater than that of light at an area where the secondcontact point P62 is located.

The light source module having such distribution areas of light isdisposed as described above to transmit a large amount of light in thepredetermined reference direction.

The predetermined reference direction may be a direction in which theamount or intensity of light generated from the light sources 110 ismeasured. In a case in which a predetermined condition, such as theamount or intensity of light emitted in a specific direction, isrequired by an apparatus to which the lamp unit is applied, thedistribution areas of light from the light sources 110 may be adjustedaccording to the required condition.

For example, in a case in which a lamp unit is applied to a taillight ofa vehicle, as shown in FIG. 34, certain safety standards may apply. Thatis, when viewed at a horizontal angle of an outer axle of the vehicle of45 degrees from the central point of light, a projected area may begreater than or equal to about 12.5 cm2, and, for example, thebrightness of a braking lamp may be about 40 to 420 candela (cd).

Consequently, the distribution areas of light from the light sources 110may be adjusted such that the intensity of light at the distributionarea of light emitted from the first light source 111 adjacent to thedistribution area of light emitted from the second light source 112 isgreater than that of light at the distribution area of light emittedfrom the first light source 111 adjacent to the distribution area oflight emitted from the third light source 113, and therefore, the lightsource module satisfies the predetermined condition, such as the amountor intensity of light, in the predetermined reference direction.

FIG. 27 is a sectional view of a light source module according to aninth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 27, the light source module may include a substrate 150and a plurality of light sources 110 arranged on the substrate 150. Thesubstrate 150 may include a plurality of supporting portions 120 and aplurality of connecting portions 130. The supporting portions 120 may bedisposed so as to correspond to the respective light sources 110, andthe connecting portions 130 may be disposed between neighboringsupporting portions 120. The supporting portions 120 may include a firstsupporting portion 121, second supporting portion 122, and thirdsupporting portion 123. The second supporting portion 122 may bedisposed at one side of the first supporting portion 121. The thirdsupporting portion 123 may be disposed at the other side of the firstsupporting portion 121. The light sources 110 may include a first lightsource 111 supported by the first supporting portion 121, a second lightsource 112 supported by the second supporting portion 122, and a thirdlight source 113 supported by the third supporting portion 123.

The first supporting portion 121 may be disposed such that a firstperpendicular line V1 passing through a first point P1 of a surface 121a of the first supporting portion 121 facing the first light source 111is at a first angle θ1 with respect to a reference line facing apredetermined reference direction. The predetermined reference directionmay be a direction in which the amount or intensity of light generatedfrom the light sources 110 is measured. The second supporting portion122 may be disposed such that a second perpendicular line V2 passingthrough a second point P2 of a surface 122 a of the second supportingportion 122 facing the second light source 112 is at a second angle θ2with respect to the reference line. The third supporting portion 123 maybe disposed such that a third perpendicular line V3 passing through athird point P3 of a surface 123 a of the third supporting portion 123facing the third light source 113 is at a third angle θ3 with respect tothe reference line.

As shown in FIG. 27, a distribution area of light emitted from eachlight source may include a first distribution area of light adjacent tothe reference line and a second distribution area of light distant fromthe reference line.

The amount or intensity of light at the first distribution area of lightadjacent to the reference line may be greater than that of light at thesecond distribution area of light distant from the reference line. Thegreater an angle between a perpendicular line passing through a point onthe surface of each supporting portion facing a corresponding one of thelight sources and the reference line facing the predetermined referencedirection is, the greater the amount or intensity of light at the firstdistribution area of light adjacent to the reference line may be.

On the other hand, the greater an angle between a perpendicular linepassing through a point on the surface of each supporting portion facinga corresponding one of the light sources and the reference line facingthe predetermined reference direction is, the less the amount orintensity of light at the second distribution area of light distant fromthe reference line may be.

As described above, the greater an angle between a perpendicular linepassing through a point on the surface of each supporting portion facinga corresponding one of the light sources and the reference line facingthe predetermined reference direction is, the greater the amount orintensity of light at the first distribution area of light adjacent tothe reference line is, whereas the less the amount or intensity of lightat the second distribution area of light distant from the reference lineis, to provide uniform brightness in the predetermined referencedirection in which the amount or intensity of light generated from thelight sources 110 is measured.

For example, when the first supporting portion 121 is disposed such thatthe first perpendicular line V1 passing through the first point P1 ofthe surface 121 a of the first supporting portion 121 facing the firstlight source 111 is at the first angle θ1 with respect to a referenceline facing a predetermined reference direction, and the secondsupporting portion 122 is disposed such that the second perpendicularline V2 passing through the second point P2 of the surface 122 a of thesecond supporting portion 122 facing the second light source 112 is atthe second angle θ2 with respect to the reference line, if the secondangle θ2 is less than the first angle θ1, the amount or intensity oflight at the first distribution area of light corresponding to the firstlight source 111 may be greater than that of light at the firstdistribution area of light corresponding to the second light source 112,and the amount or intensity of light at the second distribution area oflight corresponding to the first light source 111 may be less than thatof light at the second distribution area of light corresponding to thesecond light source 112.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of a light source module according to atenth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 28, an optical member 600 may be spaced apart from asubstrate 150 by a predetermined distance. A light mixing area may beformed between the substrate 150 and the optical member 600. The opticalmember 600 may include at least two inclined surfaces having at leastone inflection point IP.

For example, the optical member 600 may be divided into a first inclinedsurface 602 and second inclined surface 604 on opposite sides of theinflection point IP.

The first inclined surface 602 of the optical member 600 may have afirst radius of curvature, and the second inclined surface 604 of theoptical member 600 may have a second radius of curvature. The firstradius of curvature may be different from the second radius ofcurvature.

The light source module may include the substrate 150 and a plurality oflight sources 110 arranged on the substrate 150. The substrate 150 mayinclude a plurality of supporting portions 120 and a plurality ofconnecting portions 130. The supporting portions 120 may be disposed soas to correspond to the respective light sources 110, and the connectingportions 130 may be disposed between neighboring supporting portions120.

Each supporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 may have a surfaceperpendicular to a normal line connected to a point on the surface ofthe optical member 600, and the normal lines corresponding to therespective supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 may have thesame length L.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the normal lines correspondingto the respective supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 may bedifferent in length from the others. That is, a normal line connected apoint P60 on the surface of the optical member 600 may pass through apoint P61 on a surface 120 a of each supporting portion 120 of thesubstrate 150 and may be perpendicular to the surface 120 a of eachsupporting portion 120 of the substrate 150.

The length L of the normal line between the point P60 on the surface ofthe optical member 600 and the point P61 on the surface 120 a of eachsupporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 may be, for example, greaterthan or equal to about 10 mm.

For example, the length L of the normal line between the point P60 onthe surface of the optical member 600 and the point P61 on the surface120 a of each supporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 may be about10 mm to 50 cm.

If the length L of the normal line between the point P60 on the surfaceof the optical member 600 and the point P61 on the surface 120 a of eachsupporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 is less than about 10 mm, alamp unit may not exhibit uniform brightness, and a hot spot phenomenonhaving high brightness at the area at which each light source 110 islocated may occur.

On the other hand, if the length L of the normal line between the pointP60 on the surface of the optical member 600 and the point P61 on thesurface 120 a of each supporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 isgreater than about 50 cm, the brightness of the lamp unit may berelatively low, and therefore, a desired function of the lamp unit maynot be performed.

FIG. 29 is a sectional view of a light source module according to aneleventh embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 29, an optical member 600 may be spaced apart from asubstrate 150 by a predetermined distance. A light mixing area may beformed between the substrate 150 and the optical member 600. The opticalmember 600 may include at least two inclined surfaces having at leastone inflection point IP. For example, the optical member 600 may bedivided into a first inclined surface 602 and second inclined surface604, with the inflection point IP as a boundary line.

The first inclined surface 602 of the optical member 600 may have afirst radius of curvature, and the second inclined surface 604 of theoptical member 600 may have a second radius of curvature. The firstradius of curvature may be different from the second radius ofcurvature.

The light source module may include the substrate 150 and a plurality oflight sources 110 arranged on the substrate 150. The substrate 150 mayinclude a plurality of supporting portions 120 and a plurality ofconnecting portions 130. The supporting portions 120 may be disposed soas to correspond to the respective light sources 110, and the connectingportions 130 may be disposed between neighboring supporting portions120. Each supporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 may have a surfaceperpendicular to a normal line connected to a point on the surface ofthe optical member 600, and the normal lines corresponding to therespective supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 may have thesame length L.

That is, a normal line connected a point P60 on the surface of theoptical member 600 may pass through a point P61 on a surface 120 a ofeach supporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 and may beperpendicular to the surface 120 a of each supporting portion 120 of thesubstrate 150.

The length L of the normal line between the point P60 on the surface ofthe optical member 600 and the point P61 on the surface 120 a of eachsupporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 may be, for example, greaterthan or equal to about 10 mm.

The normal line corresponding to each supporting portion 120 of thesubstrate 150 may be at a predetermined angle to a reference line facinga predetermined reference direction. The intensity of light from thelight sources 110 disposed at the supporting portions 120 of thesubstrate 150 having the minimum angle between the normal line and thereference line may be greater than that of light from the light sources110 disposed at the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 havingthe maximum angle between the normal line and the reference line.

The light source module is disposed as described above to transmit alarge amount of light in the predetermined reference direction. Thepredetermined reference direction may be a direction in which the amountor intensity of light generated from the light sources 110 is measured.In a case in which a predetermined condition, such as the amount orintensity of light emitted in a specific direction, is required by anapparatus to which the light source module is applied, light sources 110having different intensities of light may be disposed according to therequired condition.

For example, in a case in which a lamp unit is applied to a taillight ofa vehicle, as shown in FIG. 34, certain safety standards may apply. Thatis, when viewed at a horizontal angle of an outer axle of the vehicle of45 degrees from the central point of light, a projected area may begreater than or equal to about 12.5 cm2, and, for example, thebrightness of a braking lamp may be about 40 to 420 candela (cd).

Consequently, light sources 110 having high intensity of light may bedisposed at the supporting portions 120 having the minimum angle betweenthe normal line and the reference line, and light sources 110 having lowintensity of light may be disposed at the supporting portions 120 havingthe maximum angle between the normal line and the reference line so thatthe light source module satisfies the predetermined condition, such asthe amount or intensity of light, in the predetermined referencedirection.

FIG. 30 is a sectional view of a light source module according to atwelfth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 30, an optical member 600 may be spaced apart from asubstrate 150 by a predetermined distance. A light mixing area, or airguide area, may be formed between the substrate 150 and the opticalmember 600. The optical member 600 may include at least two inclinedsurfaces having at least one inflection point IP.

For example, the optical member 600 may be divided into a first inclinedsurface 602 and second inclined surface 604, with the inflection pointIP as a boundary line. The first inclined surface 602 of the opticalmember 600 may have a first radius of curvature, and the second inclinedsurface 604 of the optical member 600 may have a second radius ofcurvature. The first radius of curvature may be different from thesecond radius of curvature.

The light source module may include the substrate 150 and a plurality oflight sources 110 arranged on the substrate 150. The substrate 150 mayinclude a plurality of supporting portions 120 and a plurality ofconnecting portions 130. The supporting portions 120 may be disposed soas to correspond to the respective light sources 110, and the connectingportions 130 may be disposed between neighboring supporting portions120. Each supporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 may have a surfaceperpendicular to a normal line connected to a point on the surface ofthe optical member 600, and the normal lines corresponding to therespective supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 may have thesame length L.

That is, a normal line connected a point P60 on the surface of theoptical member 600 may pass through a point P61 on a surface 120 a ofeach supporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 and may beperpendicular to the surface 120 a of each supporting portion 120 of thesubstrate 150.

The length L of the normal line between the point P60 on the surface ofthe optical member 600 and the point P61 on the surface 120 a of eachsupporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 may be, for example, greaterthan or equal to about 10 mm.

The normal line corresponding to each supporting portion 120 of thesubstrate 150 may be at a predetermined angle to a reference line facinga predetermined reference direction. A distance D1 between the lightsources 110 disposed at the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150having an angle between the normal line and the reference line of about0 to 45 degrees may be less than a distance D2 between the light sources110 disposed at the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 havingan angle between the normal line and the reference line of about 45.1 to90 degrees.

The light source module is disposed as described above to transmit alarge amount of light in the predetermined reference direction.

The predetermined reference direction may be a direction in which theamount or intensity of light generated from the light sources 110 ismeasured. In a case in which a predetermined condition, such as theamount or intensity of light emitted in a specific direction, isrequired by an apparatus to which the light source module is applied,light sources 110 having different intensities of light may be disposedaccording to the required condition.

For example, in a case in which a lamp unit is applied to a taillight ofa vehicle, as shown in FIG. 34, certain safety standards may apply. Thatis, when viewed at a horizontal angle of an outer axle of the vehicle of45 degrees from the central point of light, a projected area may begreater than or equal to about 12.5 cm2, and, for example, thebrightness of a braking lamp may be about 40 to 420 candela (cd).

Consequently, the arrangement density of light sources 110 disposed atthe supporting portions 120 having an angle between the normal line andthe reference line of about 0 to 45 degrees may be increased, and thearrangement density of light sources 110 disposed at the supportingportions 120 having an angle between the normal line and the referenceline of about 45.1 to 90 degrees may be decreased so that the lightsource module satisfies the predetermined condition, such as the amountor intensity of light, in the predetermined reference direction.

FIG. 31 is a sectional view of a light source module according to athirteenth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 31, an optical member 600 may be spaced apart from asubstrate 150 by a predetermined distance. A light mixing area, or airguide area, may be formed between the substrate 150 and the opticalmember 600. The optical member 600 may include at least two inclinedsurfaces having at least one inflection point IP.

For example, the optical member 600 may be divided into a first inclinedsurface 602 and second inclined surface 604, with the inflection pointIP as a boundary line. The first inclined surface 602 of the opticalmember 600 may have a first radius of curvature, and the second inclinedsurface 604 of the optical member 600 may have a second radius ofcurvature. The first radius of curvature may be different from thesecond radius of curvature.

The light source module may include the substrate 150 and a plurality oflight sources 110 arranged on the substrate 150. The substrate 150 mayinclude a plurality of supporting portions 120 and a plurality ofconnecting portions 130. The supporting portions 120 may be disposed soas to correspond to the respective light sources 110, and the connectingportions 130 may be disposed between neighboring supporting portions120. Each supporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 may have a surfaceperpendicular to a normal line connected to a point on the surface ofthe optical member 600, and the normal lines corresponding to therespective supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 may have thesame length L.

That is, a normal line connected a point P60 on the surface of theoptical member 600 may pass through a point P61 on a surface 120 a ofeach supporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 and may beperpendicular to the surface 120 a of each supporting portion 120 of thesubstrate 150.

The length L of the normal line between the point P60 on the surface ofthe optical member 600 and the point P61 on the surface 120 a of eachsupporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 may be greater than or equalto about 10 mm.

The normal line corresponding to each supporting portion 120 of thesubstrate 150 may be at a predetermined angle to a reference line facinga predetermined reference direction.

An orientation angle of light from the light sources 110 disposed at thesupporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 having the minimum anglebetween the normal line and the reference line may be less than that oflight from the light sources 110 disposed at the supporting portions 120of the substrate 150 having the maximum angle between the normal lineand the reference line.

As described above, the disposition of the light source module may bechanged based on a design requirement of an apparatus to which the lightsource module is applied, to provide uniform brightness throughout andto increase the amount of light in the predetermined referencedirection.

FIG. 32 is a sectional view of a lamp unit for vehicles, according to anembodiment as broadly described herein.

As shown in FIG. 32, the lamp unit may include a light source moduleincluding a substrate 150 and light sources 110, a heat dissipationmember 400, an optical member 600, and a cover member 700.

The light source module may include a substrate 150 having an electrodepattern and a plurality of light sources 110 arranged on the substrate150. The substrate 150 of the light source module may include aplurality of supporting portions 120 disposed so as to correspond to therespective light sources 110 and a plurality of connecting portions 130disposed between neighboring supporting portions 120.

The substrate 150 may be an integrated type in which the supportingportions 120 and the connecting portions 130 of the substrate 150 areformed of a soft material. Alternatively, the substrate 150 may be aseparation type in which the supporting portions 120 of the substrate150 are formed of a relatively hard material which is not flexible tosupport the respective light sources 110, and the connecting portions130 of the substrate 150 are formed of a soft material which isflexible. Consequently, the substrate 150 of the light source module maybe manufactured so as to be applied to a light, such as, for example, avehicle light having some amount of curvature.

In certain embodiments, the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150may have a first thickness, and the connecting portions 130 of thesubstrate 150 may have a second thickness. The first thickness may bedifferent from the second thickness so that the substrate 150 may becurved.

For example, if the second thickness of the connecting portions 130 ofthe substrate 150 is less than the first thickness of the supportingportions 120 of the substrate 150, the substrate 150 may be curved dueto the connecting portions 130 of the substrate 150, and therefore, thesubstrate 150 of the light source module may be applied to a vehiclelight having curvature.

The predetermined reference direction may be a direction in which theamount or intensity of light generated from the light sources 110 ismeasured. That is, in a case in which the lamp unit is applied to ataillight of a vehicle, certain safety standards may apply. That is, asshown in FIG. 34, when viewed at a horizontal angle of an outer axle ofthe vehicle of 45 degrees from the central point of light, a projectedarea may be greater than or equal to about 12.5 cm2, and, for example,the brightness of a braking lamp may be about 40 to 420 candela (cd). Insuch a lamp unit, therefore, the brightness of the braking lamp in thepredetermined reference direction may be about 40 to 420 candela (cd).

For this reason, the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 may bedesigned such that each supporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 hasa surface perpendicular to a normal line connected to a point on thesurface of the optical member 600, and the normal lines corresponding tothe respective supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 have thesame length.

In certain embodiments, the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150may be designed such that a perpendicular line passing through a pointon the surface of each supporting portion 120 facing a corresponding oneof the light sources 110 is at a predetermined angle to the referenceline facing the predetermined reference direction, and the intensity oflight from the light sources 110 disposed at the supporting portions 120having an angle between a perpendicular line passing through a point onthe surface of each supporting portion 120 facing a corresponding one ofthe light sources 110 and the reference line facing the predeterminedreference direction of 0 to 45 degrees is greater than that of lightfrom the light sources 110 disposed at the supporting portions 120having an angle between a perpendicular line passing through a point onthe surface of each supporting portion 120 opposite a corresponding oneof the light sources 110 and the reference line facing the predeterminedreference direction of 45.1 to 90 degrees.

In another case, the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 may bedesigned such that a perpendicular line passing through a point on thesurface of each supporting portion 120 opposite a corresponding one ofthe light sources 110 is at a predetermined angle with respect to thereference line facing the predetermined reference direction, and thedensity of the light sources 110 disposed at the supporting portions 120having an angle between a perpendicular line passing through a point onthe surface of each supporting portion 120 opposite a corresponding oneof the light sources 110 and the reference line facing the predeterminedreference direction of 0 to 45 degrees is greater than that of the lightsources 110 disposed at the supporting portions 120 having an anglebetween a perpendicular line passing through a point on the surface ofeach supporting portion 120 opposite a corresponding one of the lightsources 110 and the reference line facing the predetermined referencedirection of 45.1 to 90 degrees.

In a further case, the supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 maybe designed such that a perpendicular line passing through a point onthe surface of each supporting portion 120 opposite a corresponding oneof the light sources 110 is at a predetermined angle to the referenceline facing the predetermined reference direction, and an orientationangle of light from the light sources 110 disposed at the supportingportions 120 having an angle between a perpendicular line passingthrough a point on the surface of each supporting portion 120 opposite acorresponding one of the light sources 110 and the reference line facingthe predetermined reference direction of 0 to 45 degrees is less thanthat of the light sources 110 disposed at the supporting portions 120having an angle between a perpendicular line passing through a point onthe surface of each supporting portion 120 opposite a corresponding oneof the light sources 110 and the reference line facing the predeterminedreference direction of 45.1 to 90 degrees.

Each light source 110 of the light source module may include a lens 200.The lens 200 may include a groove disposed at a position correspondingto the central area of a light emission surface of each light source110.

The groove may have a conical or trapezoidal cross-section having a widetop and a narrow bottom.

The groove may be formed at the lens 200 to widen an orientation angleof light emitted from each light source 110. However, embodiments arenot limited thereto, and various types of lenses may be used.

The optical member 600 may be spaced apart from the substrate 150 by apredetermined distance. A light mixing area, or air guide area, may beformed between the substrate 150 and the optical member 600.

In certain embodiments, the cover member 700 may be omitted, and theoptical member 600 may also function as a cover member 700.

In alternative embodiments, the optical member 600 may be omitted, andonly the cover member 700 may be provided.

The optical member 600 may include at least one of a diffusion sheetthat diffuses light emitted from the light sources 110, a prism sheetthat guides the diffused light to a light emission area, and/or abrightness enhancement sheet that enhances brightness.

Also, the optical member 600 may have an uneven pattern 610 formed atthe upper surface thereof.

The optical member 600 may diffuse light emitted from the light sourcemodule. To improve a diffusion effect, the uneven pattern 610 may beformed at the upper surface of the optical member 600.

The optical member 600 may include a plurality of layers. The unevenpattern 610 may be formed at the surface of the uppermost layer or aspecific one of the layers.

In certain embodiments, the pattern 610 may have a stripe shape arrangedin one direction.

The optical member 600 may include at least two inclined surfaces havingat least one inflection point IP so that the optical member 600 issuitable for the shape of a vehicle lamp having curvature

A normal line connected to a point on the surface of the optical member600 may be perpendicular to the surface of each supporting portion 120of the substrate 150, and all of the normal lines corresponding to therespective supporting portions 120 of the substrate 150 may have thesame length.

For example, when a perpendicular line passing through a point on thesurface of each supporting portion 120 of the substrate 150 passesthrough a point of the optical member 600, the distance between thepoint of the optical member 600 and the surface of each supportingportion 120 may be greater than or equal to about 10 mm.

If the distance between the point of the optical member 600 and thesurface of each supporting portion 120 is less than about 10 mm, thelamp unit may not exhibit uniform brightness, and a hot spot phenomenonhaving high brightness at the area at which each light source 110 islocated may occur.

The heat dissipation member 400 may to dissipate heat generated from thelight sources 110.

When the heat dissipation member 400 is disposed at the bottom of thesubstrate 150 of the light source module, heat generated from each lightsource 110 may be efficiently dissipated, and therefore, the increase intemperature of each light source 110 is suppressed, thereby preventingthe luminous intensity of each light source 110 from being decreased andthe waveform of generated light from being shifted.

The cover member 700 may include a top cover 700 a and a side cover 700b. The top cover 700 a may be formed of a light transmissive material,and the side cover 700 b may be formed of a light non-transmissivematerial.

In certain embodiments, both the top cover 700 a and side cover 700 bmay be formed of a light transmissive material.

The cover member 700 may be formed of a material (for example, acryl)protecting the light source module including the substrate 150 and thelight sources 110 from external impact and transmitting light emittedfrom the light source module.

The cover member 700 may also include a curved portion in terms ofdesign. The substrate 150 of the light source module may be flexible andthus may be easily received in the curved cover member 700.

A reflector 710 may be disposed at the inside of the side cover 700 b ofthe cover member 700.

A reflective coating film or reflective coating material layer may beformed at the reflector 710. The reflector 710 may reflect lightgenerated by the light sources 110 toward the optical member 600.

The cover member 700 may be disposed in contact with the optical member600. Only a portion of the cover member 700 may contact the opticalmember 600, and the remaining portion of the cover member 700 may bespaced apart from the optical member 600 by a predetermined distance.

In certain embodiments, the entire surface of the cover member 700opposite the optical member 600 may contact the optical member 600.

Also, the entire surface of the cover member 700 opposite the opticalmember 600 may be spaced apart from the optical member 600 by apredetermined distance.

The distance between the cover member 700 and the optical member 600 maybe varied based on safety conditions and design considerations of thevehicle lamp to provide uniform brightness throughout.

In this embodiment, as described above, a plurality of light sourceshaving different arrangement directions with respect to thepredetermined reference direction is provided, and a light mixing area,or air guide area, is formed between the light sources and the opticalmember, thereby realizing a surface light source using a small number oflight sources so that the lamp unit may be applied to a vehicle lamp.

A surface light source is a light source that diffuses light in aparticular surface shape. In this embodiment, a lamp unit for vehiclesthat satisfies a particular condition, such as the amount of lightemitted in a specific direction, and realizes a surface light sourceusing a small number of light sources, is provided.

Also, in this embodiment, a plurality of light sources is disposed on aflexible substrate, and therefore, the lamp unit may be applied to avehicle lamp having curvature.

In this embodiment, therefore, it is possible to improve economy of thelamp unit for vehicles and a degree of freedom in product design.

FIG. 33 is a view of a taillight 800 for vehicles including the lampunit, as embodied and broadly described herein.

As shown in FIG. 33, the taillight 800 may include a first lamp unit812, second lamp unit 814, third lamp unit 816, and housing 810.

In this exemplary embodiment, the first lamp unit 812 may be a lightsource functioning as a direction indicating light, the second lamp unit814 may be a light source functioning as a breadth indicating light, andthe third lamp unit 816 may be a light source functioning as a stopping,or braking light. However, the functions of the first lamp unit 812,second lamp unit 814, third lamp unit 816 are not limited thereto. Forexample, the functions of the first lamp unit 812, second lamp unit 814,third lamp unit 816 may be changed.

The housing 810 may receive the first, second, and third lamp units 812,824, and 816. The housing 810 may be formed of a light transmissivematerial.

The housing 810 may be curved according to the design of a vehicle body.The first, second, and third lamp units 812, 824, and 816 may realizesurface light sources that can be curved according to the shape of thehousing 810.

In this embodiment, as described above, a plurality of light sourceshaving different arrangement directions with respect to thepredetermined reference direction may be provided, and a light mixingarea, or air guide area, may be formed between the light sources and theoptical member, thereby realizing a surface light source using a smallnumber of light sources. Furthermore, an amount of intensity of lightsuitable for safety conditions of a vehicle lamp may be provided.Consequently, it may be possible to improve economy of the lamp unit anda degree of freedom in product design.

FIG. 34 is a plan view of a vehicle including the lamp unit shown inFIG. 33, in accordance with embodiments as broadly described herein.

In a case in which the lamp unit is applied to a taillight of thevehicle, as shown in FIG. 34, certain safety standards of the lamp unitprovided in the taillight of the vehicle may apply. That is, when viewedat a horizontal angle of an outer axle of the vehicle of 45 degrees fromthe central point of light, a projected area may be greater than orequal to about 12.5 cm2, and, for example, the brightness of a brakinglamp may be about 40 to 420 candela (cd).

When the amount of light is measured in a light amount measurementdirection, therefore, the taillight of the vehicle is expected toprovide an amount of light greater than or equal to a reference value.

The lamp unit according to this embodiment realizes a surface lightsource that is capable of providing an amount of light greater than orequal to the reference value in the light amount measurement direction,i.e. a predetermined reference direction, using a small number of lightsources, thereby improving economy of the lamp unit and a degree offreedom in product design. That is, in this embodiment, a plurality oflight sources having different arrangement directions with respect tothe predetermined reference direction is used, thereby realizing asurface light source using a small number of light sources.

Further, no light guide panel is provided between the light sources andthe optical member, and a light mixing area is formed between the lightsources and the optical member, thereby reducing the weight of the lampunit and the manufacturing cost of the lamp unit. Additionally, aplurality of light sources is provided on a flexible substrate, andtherefore, it is possible to apply the lamp unit to an object havingcurvature. Consequently, it is possible to improve economy of the lampunit and a degree of freedom in product design.

Embodiments provide a lamp unit that is capable of realizing a surfacelight source using a small number of light sources having differentarrangement directions with respect to a reference direction and avehicle lamp apparatus using the same.

Further, embodiments provide a lamp unit in which a plurality of lightsources is disposed on a flexible substrate so that the lamp unit isapplied to an object having curvature and a vehicle lamp apparatus usingthe same.

In one embodiment, a lamp unit as embodied and broadly described hereinmay include a substrate and a plurality of light sources arranged on thesubstrate, wherein the substrate includes a plurality of supportingportions disposed so as to correspond to the respective light sourcesand connecting portions disposed between neighboring supportingportions, the supporting portions include a first supporting portion tosupport a first light source, a second supporting portion disposed atone side of the first supporting portion to support a second lightsource, and a third supporting portion disposed at the other side of thefirst supporting portion to support a third light source, the firstsupporting portion is disposed such that a first perpendicular linepassing through a point of a surface of the first supporting portion andperpendicular to the surface of the first supporting portion is at afirst angle to a reference line facing a predetermined referencedirection, the second supporting portion is disposed such that a secondperpendicular line passing through a point of a surface of the secondsupporting portion and perpendicular to the surface of the secondsupporting portion is at a second angle to the reference line, the thirdsupporting portion is disposed such that a third perpendicular linepassing through a point of a surface of the third supporting portion andperpendicular to the surface of the third supporting portion is at athird angle to the reference line, and the first angle is different fromthe second angle and/or the third angle.

The surface of each supporting portion opposite a corresponding one ofthe light sources may be a flat surface.

Each connecting portion disposed between the neighboring supportingportions may have at least one selected from a flat surface, convexsurface, and concave surface.

The supporting portions of the substrate may be conductors, and theconnecting portions of the substrate may be nonconductors.

Also, the supporting portions and the connecting portions of thesubstrate may be formed of at least two kinds of the same conductors andnonconductors.

The supporting portions of the substrate may have a first thickness, andthe connecting portions of the substrate may have a second thickness,and the first thickness may be different from the second thickness.

A ratio of the first thickness to the second thickness may be 1.1:1 to30:1.

Each supporting portion of the substrate may include a first surfacecontacting a corresponding one of the light sources and a second surfaceopposite to the first surface, and the first surface may be a flatsurface, and the second surface may have an uneven pattern.

Each supporting portion of the substrate may include a first surfacecontacting a corresponding one of the light sources and a second surfaceopposite to the first surface, and a reflector may be disposed on thefirst surface.

Each supporting portion of the substrate may include a first surfacecontacting a corresponding one of the light sources and a second surfaceopposite to the first surface, and a plurality of heat dissipation pinsmay be disposed on the second surface.

Each connecting portion of the substrate may include conductive patternsto electrically interconnect the neighboring light sources.

Each light source may include a lens, the lens may include a groovedisposed at a position corresponding to a central area of a lightemission surface of each light source, and the groove may be formed in aconical or trapezoidal shape having a wide top and a narrow bottom insection.

The lamp unit may further include an optical member spaced apart fromthe substrate by a predetermined distance.

The optical member may include a curved surface having at least onecurvature.

When the first perpendicular line passing through the point of thesurface of the first supporting portion passes through an eleventh pointof the optical member, the second perpendicular line passing through thepoint of the surface of the second supporting portion passes through atwelfth point of the optical member, and the third perpendicular linepassing through the point of the surface of the third supporting portionpasses through a thirteenth point of the optical member, at least oneselected from among an eleventh distance between the eleventh point ofthe optical member and the surface of the first supporting portion, atwelfth distance between the twelfth point of the optical member and thesurface of the second supporting portion, and a thirteenth distancebetween the thirteenth point of the optical member and the surface ofthe third supporting portion may be different from the others.

The eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth distances may be 10 mm or more.

At least a portion of the optical member may include an uneven pattern.

When a fifth perpendicular line passing through a point of a lightemission surface of each light source passes through a fifteenth pointof the optical member, a reflector may be disposed on the fifteenthpoint of the optical member.

In another embodiment, a lamp unit includes an optical member includinga curved surface having at least one curvature and a light source modulespaced apart from the optical member by a predetermined distance,wherein the light source module includes a substrate including aplurality of supporting portions and connecting portions connectedbetween neighboring supporting portions and a plurality of light sourcesdisposed on supporting portions of the substrate, each supportingportion of the substrate has a surface perpendicular to a normal lineconnected to a point on a surface of the optical member, and at leastone of the normal lines corresponding to the respective supportingportions of the substrate is different in length from the others.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Theappearances of such phrases in various places in the specification arenot necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within thepurview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, orcharacteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number ofillustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerousother modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled inthe art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles ofthis disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modificationsare possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subjectcombination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawingsand the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications inthe component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also beapparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A lamp, comprising: a first supporter to supporta first light source; a second supporter to support a second lightsource; a third supporter to support a third light source; a firstconnector provided between the first supporter and the second supporter;and a second connector provided between the second supporter and thethird supporter, wherein the first supporter is disposed such that afirst axis line perpendicular to a first surface of the first supporteron which the first light source is mounted forms a first angle withrespect to a reference direction, the second supporter is disposed suchthat a second axis line perpendicular to a second surface of the secondsupporter on which the second light source is mounted forms a secondangle with respect to the reference direction, and the third supporteris disposed such that a third axis line perpendicular to a third surfaceof the third supporter on which the third light source is mounted formsa third angle with respect to the reference direction, wherein thesecond angle is greater than the first angle, the third angle is greaterthan the second angle, a first intensity of the first light source isgreater than a second intensity of the second light source, and thesecond intensity is greater than a third intensity of the third lightsource, and wherein a distribution area of light emitted from each ofthe first light source, the second light source and the third lightsource includes a first distribution area adjacent to the reference lineand a second distribution area distant from the reference line, anintensity of light at the first distribution area is greater than anintensity of light at the second distribution area, an intensity of thefirst distribution area of the second light source is greater than anintensity of the first distribution area of the first light source, andan intensity of the second distribution area of the second light sourceis less than an intensity of the second distribution area of the firstlight source.
 2. The lamp according to claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe first connector or the second connector has a concave shape or aconvex shape.
 3. The lamp of claim 1, wherein the surface of at leastone of the first connector or the second connector has an unevensurface.
 4. The lamp according to claim 1, wherein at least one of thefirst supporter, second supporter or third supporter has a firstthickness, and at least one of the first connector or second connectorhas a second thickness, and wherein the first thickness is differentfrom the second thickness.
 5. The lamp according to claim 4, wherein aratio of the first thickness to the second thickness is 1.1:1 to 30:1.6. The lamp according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the firstsupporter, second supporter or third supporter has a first width, and atleast one of the first connector or second connector has a second width,and wherein the first width is different from the second width.
 7. Thelamp according to claim 1, wherein an opposite surface of at least oneof the first, second or third supporter opposite the surface thereof towhich its respective light source is mounted has an uneven contour. 8.The lamp according to claim 1, further comprising: a reflector disposedon the surface of at least one of the first, second or third supporterto which its respective light source is mounted, adjacent to itsrespective light source.
 9. The lamp according to claim 1, furthercomprising a plurality of heat dissipation fins provided on an oppositesurface opposite the surface to which the first light source, secondlight source or third light source is mounted.
 10. The lamp according toclaim 1, wherein at least one of the first connector or second connectoris a flexible printed circuit board.
 11. The lamp according to claim 1,wherein each of the first, second and third light sources includes alens, a top surface of each lens including a recess having a conical ortrapezoidal cross-section.
 12. The lamp according to claim 1, furthercomprising an optical member spaced apart from the first, second andthird light sources.
 13. The lamp according to claim 12, wherein theoptical member comprises a curved surface having at least one radius ofcurvature.
 14. The lamp according to claim 12, wherein a first distancebetween the first surface and the optical member along the first axisline, a second distance between the second surface and the opticalmember along the second axis line and/or a third distance between thethird surface and the optical member along the third axis line isgreater than or equal to 10 mm.
 15. The lamp according to claim 12,wherein at least a portion of the optical member comprises an unevenpattern.
 16. The lamp according to claim 12, further comprising areflector provided on the optical member, facing at least one of thefirst light source, second light source or third light source.
 17. Alamp, comprising: a first supporter to support a first light source; asecond supporter to support a second light source; a third supporter tosupport a third light source; a first connector provided between thefirst supporter and the second supporter; a second connector providedbetween the second supporter and the third supporter; and an opticalmember spaced apart from the first, second and third light sources,wherein the first supporter is disposed such that a first axis lineperpendicular to a first surface of the first supporter to which thefirst light source is mounted forms a first angle with respect to areference direction, the second supporter is disposed such that a secondaxis line perpendicular to a second surface of the second supporter towhich the second light source is mounted forms a second angle withrespect to the reference direction, and the third supporter is disposedsuch that a third axis line perpendicular to a third surface of thethird supporter to which the third light source is mounted forms a thirdangle with respect to the reference direction, wherein the second angleis greater than the first angle, the third angle is greater than thesecond angle, and a first distance between the first light source andthe second light source is less than a second distance between thesecond light source and the third light source, and wherein adistribution area of light emitted from each of the first light source,the second light source and the third light source includes a firstdistribution area adjacent to the reference line and a seconddistribution area distant from the reference line, an intensity of lightat the first distribution area is greater than an intensity of light atthe second distribution area, an intensity of the first distributionarea of the second light source is greater than an intensity of thefirst distribution area of the first light source, and an intensity ofthe second distribution area of the second light source is less than anintensity of the second distribution area of the first light source. 18.A lamp, comprising: a first supporter to support a first light source; asecond supporter to support a second light source; a third supporter tosupport a third light source a first connector provided between thefirst supporter and the second supporter; and a second connectorprovided between the second supporter and the third supporter, whereinthe first supporter is disposed such that a first axis lineperpendicular line to a first surface of the first supporter on whichthe first light source is mounted forms a first angle with respect to areference direction, the second supporter is disposed such that a secondaxis line perpendicular to a second surface of the second supporter onwhich the second light source is mounted forms a second angle withrespect to the reference direction, and the third supporter is disposedsuch that a third axis line perpendicular to a third surface of thethird supporter on which the third light source is mounted forms a thirdangle with respect to the reference direction, wherein the second angleis greater than the first angle, the third angle is greater than thesecond angle, a first orientation angle of the first light source isnarrower than a second orientation angle of the second light source, andthe second orientation angle is narrower than a third orientation angleof the third light source, and wherein a distribution area of lightemitted from each of the first light source, the second light source andthe third light source includes a first distribution area adjacent tothe reference line and a second distribution area distant from thereference line, an intensity of light at the first distribution area isgreater than an intensity of light at the second distribution area, anintensity of the first distribution area of the second light source isgreater than an intensity of the first distribution area of the firstlight source, and an intensity of the second distribution area of thesecond light source is less than an intensity of the second distributionarea of the first light source.
 19. A lamp, comprising: a firstsupporter to support a first light source; a second supporter to supporta second light source; a third supporter to support a third light sourcea first connector provided between the first supporter and the secondsupporter; and a second connector provided between the second supporterand the third supporter, wherein the first supporter is disposed suchthat a first axis line perpendicular line to a first surface of thefirst supporter on which the first light source is mounted forms a firstangle with respect to a reference direction, the second supporter isdisposed such that a second axis line perpendicular to a second surfaceof the second supporter on which the second light source is mountedforms a second angle with respect to the reference direction, and thethird supporter is disposed such that a third axis line perpendicular toa third surface of the third supporter on which the third light sourceis mounted forms a third angle with respect to the reference direction,and wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle, the thirdangle is greater than the second angle, a distribution area of lightemitted from each of the first light source, the second light source andthe third light source includes a first distribution area adjacent tothe reference line and a second distribution area distant from thereference line, an intensity of light at the first distribution area isgreater than an intensity of light at the second distribution area, anintensity of the first distribution area of the second light source isgreater than an intensity of the first distribution area of the firstlight source, and an intensity of the second distribution area of thesecond light source is less than an intensity of the second distributionarea of the first light source.